The following presents a summary of current market formative criteria for computers and applications in corporate, institutional and organizational environments served both by LAN's and WAN's. This data represents a control model against which to compare and contrast primary research findings related to specific product offerings.

The data upon which these critiera are based was collected between November 22, 1996 and March 28, 1997. The initial sampling base was 280 executive interviews. Validation has occured through the completion of separate parametric survey research assignments, representing an aggregate base of greater than 30,000 respondents.

The respondent base represents MIS directors, IT buyer/specifyers, and end-users. The findings relate to the integration of both the hard and soft technology for computers in the workplace. All responses represent a consensus of respondents (a theoretical 100%) to the aggregate response from twenty test statements. Since the initial sampling base is non-parametric, no percentages can be applied.

For the purpose of this report, the term "groupware" is broadly defined as all shared or networked resources within an organization including hardware, software, data, messaging, networks, clients and servers. Each statement represents an ideal feature, benefit or solution to a category of need common to the entire respondent base. As such these ideals may be applied as the market formative criteria for business computer applications.

1.

Organizational integration of normal groupware usage as it applies both to network and remote (mail-enabled) messaging, scheduling, recording, data and file sharing, should be invisible or seamless within the environment of core user applications (ie. word processor, spreadsheet, accounting software, database framework, CAD, publishing). The antithesis of this concept is a stand-alone groupware application which must be launched or accessed separately from a core application.

2.

Groupware advanced features, including upgrades, preferences and individual user configurations, must be intuitive at all organizational levels (ie. common sense, common language, commonly understood). The antitheses of this are logical and proprietary. This concept addresses the issues of the learning curve and organizational participation (apprehension, knowledge base).

3.

The ideal groupware integration must incorporate delegated as well as peer level organizational responsibilities and roles. In essence, both in terms of reporting and routing, it must mirror the organizational structure and hierarchy. The antithesis of this is an open framework.

4.

The ideal groupware integration is fully multi-media for both real-time and store-and-forward usage. This market definition extends beyond the operator or user's interface to include all media, including printouts, forms, telephone, fax, pager, celphone, file transfer, and remote access. The antithesis of this are multiple stand-alone applications.

5.

All groupware should be compatible, both through common integration and protocols with normal business applications, and be cross-platform, and cross-groupware brand or network. The antithesis of this is an unique or proprietary look and feel of different brands of software or unique protocols.