In this paper, a conceptual model for synchronous applications in ubiquitous computing environments is proposed. To test its applicability, it was used to structure the architecture of the BEACH software framework that is the basis for the software infrastructure of i-LAND (the ubiquitous computing environment at FhG-IPSI). The BEACH framework provides the functionality for synchronous cooperation and interaction with roomware components, i.e. room elements with integrated information technology. To show how the BEACH model and framework can be applied, the design of a sample application is explained. Also, the BEACH model is positioned against related work. In conclusion, we provide our experiences with the current implementation.

In this paper we present the Clover architectural model, a new conceptual architectural model for groupware. Our model results from the combination of the layer approach of Dewan's generic architecture with the functional decomposition of the Clover design model. The Clover design model defines three classes of services that a groupware application may support, namely, production, communication and coordination services. The three classes of services can be found in each functional layer of our model. Our model is illustrated with a working system, the CoVitesse system, its software being organized according to our Clover architectural model.

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The datao f agro6 ware applicatio must be shared to suppo rt interactiok betweenconw: o rating users. There have been a lo o discussioJ abo ut the best distributio scheme fo the datao f agrokD ware applicatio-- Many existinggrot ware platfo:w otf suppop o ne distributio scheme, e.g. a replicatedo a central scheme. The selected scheme appliesto the entire applicatiok In owo piniok nok o f these architectures fits wellfo every gro ware applicatioL In this paper we describe a develo:L2 t platfok that allo ws a develo er to determine the distributio scheme fo each shared datao ject. With the helpo an o ject-ow]k ted pro2:Dw]kN principle it also achieves a maximum o transparencyfo the applicatio develo er.

This thesis presents an architectural model for synchronous groupware called the Workspace Model, which provides a clean separation of conceptual structure from distributed implementation. The model includes a formally-defined, distribution transparent, conceptual level architectural model with appropriate abstractions for the development of groupware; a formally-defined implementation level architec-tural model that exposes the distributed system issues abstracted at the conceptual level; a formal relation between the two levels that allows a range of implementa-tions to be automatically computed for any conceptual level architecture; and an explicit representation of runtime change. We argue that this combination of properties allows the model to satisfy needs arising from three communities: end-users, application programmers, and toolkit developers. End users require that their groupware systems support fluid collab-oration, perform efficiently, and behave in a predictable manner. Application pro-grammers need an environment that is appropriately expressive and that doesn’t

Adaptive groupware systems support changes in users’ locations, devices, roles and collaborative structure. Developing such systems is difficult due to the complex distributed systems programming involved. In this paper, we introduce Fiia, a novel architectural style for groupware. Fiia is user-centered, in that it allows easy specification of groupware structured around users’ settings, devices and applications, and where adaptations are specified at a high level similar to scenarios. The Fiia.Net toolkit automatically maps Fiia architectures to a wide range of possible distributed systems, under control of an annotation language. Together, these allow developers to work at a high level, while retaining control over distribution choices.

Abstract. This paper presents an example of how software architectures can encode temporal properties as well as the traditional structural ones. In the context of expressing concurrency control in groupware systems, the paper shows how a specification of temporal properties of the semi-replicated groupware architecture can be refined to three different implementations, each with different performance tradeoffs. This refinement approach helps in understanding the temporal properties of groupware applications, and increases confidence in the correctness of their implementation. 1