The characteristics of Co-operative Process Management covered in this book concern the requirements of the dynamic situation per se as well as the requirements of the co-operation. Important factors are that no single person can have an overview of the situation; that expertise is distributed both temporally and qualitatively; that the ongoing process has to be represented in some way (whether or not computerized); that co-operation is dependent on formal as well as informal information transfer; that predictions of the developing situation have to be performed; and that knowledge and skills...

Currently we are at the beginnings of widespread wireless connectivity and ubiquitous computing. The Web is merging with a variety of technologies: cell phones, laptop computers, hand held organisers, information appliances, and GPS and other sensors. The capability for access anytime and anywhere is here. The increasing frequency of cell phone calls at inappropriate times testifies that people no longer can easily control access. Devices can determine where they are located and can make a range of information available to users as well as make users available to others or their devices. We...