Desktop video conferencing collaborative technology for planning satellite based communications

The described studies of desktop video conferencing collaborative work were conducted as part of a research initiative in developing computerized collaborative technology to support the US Air Force operational requirements process. Minimal research has been done integrating computer supported (CSCW) and desktop video into the operational desktop video conferencing technology is now revolutionizing collaboration at distance for teams distributed in space and time and across multiple organizations. Based on the growing range of transmission methods (such as IP multicasting, Mbone, ISDN, and ATM configurations), this technology enables collaborators to operate across their native heterogeneous communication and computing environments. By means of multipoint video, voice, and data communication, the technology enables collaborators to access necessary human resources at any time. By means of application sharing and white board processing, it enables rapid transfer of documented and simulated knowledge. We explore the solutions for integrating CSCW and desktop video conferencing technology into satellite communications requirements analysis process. The approach combines experimental study and modeling of intelligent collaborative work support infrastructure. The experimental study resulted in prototyping of a multipoint heterogeneous geographically distributed testbed.