Abstract

Distributed systems have traditionally tackled the problems associated with the inter-connection of a number of computer systems. Until recently the focus of this research has been on the development of solutions to the technological problems involved. The emergence of Computer Supported Cooperative Working (CSCW) has challenged this technological perspective by focusing on the group-working of a number of users. This paper briefly introduces the state of the art in CSCW and relates the general characteristics of existing CSCW systems to a variety of trends in distributed computing. It is argued a reasonable correspondence exists between CSCW and distributed systems in terms of their geographical nature and style of interaction. However, a disparity appears when we examine how cooperation is represented and controlled in both CSCW and distributed systems. Strict distribution transparency is highlighted as the most significant manifestation of this disparity, often discouraging users fr...

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