Many still try to do this with only email, passing around document attachments, but there are better ways to work together with other network-connected users. One component of the ideal groupware tool is the ability to deploy on all client workstations without hassle. Today, that means that it should be fully accessible from any modern Web browser client. It also has a public server set up where users can register and then try out the system before they install it. BSCW basically is a structured set of folders called workspaces, along with a set of tools for managing the contents of the folders.
Users can post notes or whole documents and create new folders from their Web browsers.
BSCW provides the structure and users provide the content. BSCW works well as a shared document repository and for semi-formal interactions, such as help desk questions and answers or setting a meeting agenda. However, it is not as good for less formal discussions. Even though it appears to support threaded discussions, this is awkward to do well using a Web browser. Users of Netscape Navigator or Communicator as their Web browser already have a news reader program installed that can be used for this purpose.