CSCW: AN INITIAL EXPLORATIONl

This paper discusses the origins and development of a new field of scientific research and information technology application called Computer-Supported Cooperative Work, or CSCW as it is more commonly called. A number of events happening concurrently in the work place, in technology, the development process, and the organizational milieu are argued to have contributed to the growth of interest in CSCW issues. There remain a number of confusions about the focus of the area, however, which are explored here. Some early experiences with CSCW systems are then discussed, and accomplishments of the field to date noted