Enhancing Collaborative Work through Agents

This paper presents a software framework, called Collaborator, to provide a shared workspace supporting the activities of virtual teams. This system exploits seamless integration of standard Web technologies with agent technologies, enhancing the classic Web communication mechanisms to support synchronous sharing of applications, and its use through emerging technologies such as: third generation of mobile networks and terminals, and new generation of home appliances. The system is enhanced by two types of agents: personal agents and session management agents. Personal agents, one for each user, are in charge of adapting the work environment to the user's preferences and habits. Session management agents, one for each collaborative session, are responsible for the management of the communication with the personal agents of the users involved in a virtual meeting.