„DreamTeam“ - a platform for synchronous collaborative applications

Abstract

This paper presents a platform for developing, testing and executing synchronous collaborative applications in a distributed, heterogeneous environment. Even though several environments exist nowadays, specific problems are not treated satisfactorily. Especially in 'real' network environments, problems like unstable network connections and low bandwidths have to be considered. The DreamTeam platform addresses the special needs of environments with non-optimal characteristics which can, be found in distance learning scenarios. DreamTeam comprises a development environment, a simulation environment and a runtime environment; it is based upon the concept of a fully decentralised architecture and encourages rapid prototyping. DreamTeam supports developers of shared applications through a component concept. Using components helps to divide a software project into well-defined parts. Well-documented interfaces help to reduce integration efforts and improve software quality. A selection of sampie applications with DreamTeam validates our design concept.