Anytime the word ‘collaborative’ is used, the implication is that there will be some sort of sharing and interaction. When people collaborate, they work together to achieve something greater than could be achieved working alone. That is the same principle behind “collaborative computing.” The principle underlying collaborative computing is that people interact with each other using a variety of computer software and hardware to access shared data. Information is transferred via software- supported devices like desktop computers, laptops, tablets, Smartphones and others. The integration of all these devices using complex computing algorithms has created the ability to collaboratively and simultaneously share and modify information.

If you ask various computer engineers how each defines collaborative computing, you would probably get different answers. That reflects the complexity of collaborative computing, while also reflecting the expanding array of devices and software programs that make collaborative computing possible. Though it means different things to people, the common theme is ‘sharing’. It allows people to use applications concurrently, distribute presentations over a computer network, coordinate workflows, enable interactive conferencing, and collaborate or conference in virtual environments. Collaborative computing supports multimedia applications also.