Bridging the Gap between Peer-to-Peer and Client-Server Environments - A Hybrid Communication Management Approach for Virtual Project Teams

摘要

In most cases technical support systems for virtual project teams rely on a client-server architecture. The limitations of client-server systems become evident in an internet-based environment. Peer-to-peer systems offer an alternative to traditional client-server systems. Every peer acts both as client and server. It provides and controls access to its own data, services, and computing resources. This corresponds to common communication and working processes of individuals in teams. Although communication is a substantial part of collaboration the accomplishment over electronic channels is casual. Communication processes are not integrated in workflow control and run beside the "real" tasks. Comprehensive communication support in an integrated environment does not take place. Thus, useful communication data get lost and are not retrievable. An approach for comprehensive and continuous communication support for virtual project teams in a hybrid peer-to-peer and client-server environment is introduced.