In general, collaboration applications are categorized as instant collaborations, discussion group applications, routing and tracking applications, or reference applications.
Instant collaborations Refers to the built-in application modules that are shipped with Microsoft Outlook. These modules can be customized. To become an instant collaboration a module must be placed in a Microsoft Exchange Server public folder. The built-in modules are: Calendar, Tasks, Journal, and Contacts.
Discussion group applications Discussion group applications enable users to conduct online discussions. Users do not need to coordinate their schedules to be online simultaneously because they are communicating asynchronously using post forms. Post forms are used to place items in a folder and to post responses to items in a folder. Discussion group applications serve as the foundation for creating threaded conversations in views, so users can view the history of responses to a particular item.
Routing and tracking applications Routing and tracking applications enable the user to record and view information that is constantly updated. Routing and tracking applications solve a problem that is inherent when passing information to individuals for review: determining where the routing process has stalled. Routing and tracking applications can pass information to individuals in sequence or to a group. They can also track who reviewed the document and whether they approved or made changes to it.
Reference applications Reference applications are not limited to storing e-mail messages. Users can store graphic images, Microsoft ActiveX-based documents, World Wide Web addresses, voice mail messages, and Microsoft Office or other documents. These applications can serve as a repository for sales and marketing brochures, employee guidelines, and employee benefits information.