Integrated Collaborative Environments

Integrated collaborative environments (ICEs) provide a framework for electronic collaboration, typically within an organization, based on shared directory and messaging platforms. The core integrated-functionality areas are email, group calendaring and scheduling, shared folders/databases, threaded discussions, and custom application development. Administration and customization are generally performed by centralized IT staff. The following are representative vendors and products in this market:

• IBM (Lotus Domino/Notes)
• Microsoft (Exchange/Outlook)
• Novell (GroupWise)
• Oracle (Collaboration Suite)