This list of dimensions for evaluating groupware

Interaction Types

• Email
• Mailing List
• Web Forum
• Personal/Group Calendar
• Resource Calendar
• Contact List
• Shared unstructured document creation
• Shared structured document / database

Interaction Attributes

• All of these things could be available when a user is offline.
• All of these things could have version control.

Platforms

• Web applications
  • Mozilla
  • IE
  • Firefox
  • Safari
• Client applications
  • Windows
  • OSX
  • Gtk
  • Qt

Protocols

• IMAP
• POP
• SMTP
• LDAP
• vCard
• SyncML
• iCal
• vCal
• WebDAV
• GroupDAV
• CalDAV

Software

• Firstclass
• Exchange
• Cyrus IMAP
• OpenGroupware
• Hula
• Lotus Notes
• Outlook
• Evolution
• Mozilla Thunderbird
• Applie iCalendar, Mail, Contacts
• Palm Desktop
• Mozilla Sunbird
• Confluence
• OpenACS

Evalutation Criteria

• Complexity - how many different pieces of software and protocols are used. How many different software settings will an admin need to know.
• Completeness - how many platforms will have full coverage of the different interactions types.
• Interoperability - can data be shared between different interaction types, and between different pieces of software.
• Open - does the system allow new clients to be used, or is it locked in.