Collaborative Computing

What Does Collaborative Computing Mean?

Collaborative computing is described as a phenomenon where modern technology tools facilitate and enhance group work that exists through distributed technology – where individuals collaborate from remote locations.

Advertisements

Techopedia Explains Collaborative Computing

Many different types of modern tools and technologies constitute collaborative programming resources. Some of the earliest systems focused on how to allow groups in distributed locations to view files, share information and chat amongst themselves in order to complete projects. As collaborative computing and general technology evolved, videoconferencing and multi-feature conferencing programs upped the ante in providing sophisticated platforms where remote teams could complete tasks like content management, or work on the full “life cycle” for a product or service.

Collaborative computing tools really run the gamut – Google Hangouts could be called “collaborative computing.” Some of the proprietary platforms that remote teams use to deliver graphic design or copy projects could also be called collaborative computing tools. It is important to note that while early collaborative computing technologies focused on bringing together people in different places, many of today’s tools focus more on streamlining and organizing the collaborative work of large groups of people who may actually be within the same business campus or other location.

Much of the modern collaborative computing infrastructure offered to companies involves cutting down on face time, and replacing face-to-face meetings and interactions with digital ones. Collaborative computing can serve a business in many different ways, according to its footprint and operational needs.

Advertisements

Related Terms

Latest Cloud Computing Terms

Related Reading

Margaret Rouse

Margaret Rouse is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical, business audience. Over the past twenty years her explanations have appeared on TechTarget websites and she's been cited as an authority in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine and Discovery Magazine.Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages. If you have a suggestion for a new definition or how to improve a technical explanation, please email Margaret or contact her…