BSCW supports asynchronous and synchronous cooperation with your partners over the Internet, in your Intranet or in a network with your business partners (Extranet).

For asynchronous (not simultaneous) cooperation, BSCW offers shared workspaces that groups can use to store, manage, jointly edit and share documents.

The essential advantages:

• With a BSCW workspace, workgroups can share documents -- independent of the specific computer systems that the members use.
• You need not install any software before using BSCW. You only need a standard Web browser.
• You access BSCW workspaces, browse folders and download documents to your local system just like "normal" Web pages.
• BSCW keeps you informed of all relevant events in a shared workspace.
• You can upload documents to a shared workspace using any standard Web browser.
  Uploading documents is even more efficient if you enhance your browser with a small 'BSCW Helper' program. You can download the BSCW Helper free of charge from http://bscw.gmd.de/.

For synchronous (simultaneous) cooperation, BSCW provides tools for

• planning and organizing meetings,
• starting 'virtual' meetings on the basis of conferencing programs or by telephone,
• ad hoc communication with partners who are currently logged in to a shared workspace and therefore are likely to be working on a common task.