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Video communications systems allow two-way or multi-way calling with live video,
essentially a telephone system with an additional visual component. Cost and compat-
ibility issues limited early use of video systems to scheduled videoconference meeting
rooms. Video is advantageous when visual information is being discussed, but may
not provide substantial benefi t in most cases where conventional audio telephones
are adequate. In addition to supporting conversations, video may also be used in less
direct collaborative situations, such as providing a view of activities at a remote
location.
Chat systems permit many people to write messages in real-time in a public space.
As each person submits a message, it appears at the bottom of a scrolling screen. Chat
groups are usually formed by listing chat rooms by name, location, number of people,
topic of discussion, and so on.
Many systems allow for rooms with controlled access or with moderators to lead
the discussions, but most of the topics of interest to researchers involve issues related
to unmediated real-time communication including anonymity, following the stream
of conversation, scalability with number of users, and abusive users.
While chatlike systems are possible using non-text media, the text version of chat
has the rather interesting aspect of having a direct transcript of the conversation,
which not only has long-term value, but allows for backward reference during con-
versation making it easier for people to drop into a conversation and still pick up on
the ongoing discussion.
Groupware applications from Teamware, the U.S. Army, Chevron, and BP are
further illustrated in boxes 8.2 and 8.3.

Wikis
Wikis are web-based software that supports concepts such as open editing, which
allows multiple users to create and edit content on a web site (for more information,
see: http://en.Wikipedia.org/Wiki/Wiki). A wiki site grows and changes at the will
of the participants. People can add and edit pages at will, using a Word-like screen
without knowing any programming or HTML commands. More specifi cally, a wiki
is composed of web pages where people input information and then create hyper-
links to another or new pages for more details about a particular topic. Anyone can
edit any page and add, delete, or correct information. A search fi eld at the bottom
of the page lets you enter a keyword for the information you want to fi nd. Today
two types of wikis exist: public wikis and corporate wikis. Public wikis were devel-
oped fi rst and are freewheeling forums with few controls. In the last year or two,
corporations have been harnessing the power of wikis to provide interactive forums