Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and apparatuses enabling groupware to track time associated with a workflow task. A workflow object representing a workflow task is provided. The workflow object is associating with a time period, a project code, and an identifier of a groupware client user participating in the workflow task. In response to an event indicating completion of the workflow task, the time period, the project code, and the identifier is automatically transmitted to a backend application.

Abstract: A workspace container provides data content in a generic way with interfaces and tools common to data of different types. The container has an owner, and may include one or more activities, which each have an objective and are associated with various resources to accomplish the objective. User interaction in the container transforms the container contents and is persisted with the container. Different data types are represented uniformly from the perspective of data input, data access, and display rendering. Additionally, common tools can be embedded within the container, which receive content items and user-generated content as input to transform the container contents at a runtime of the container. The container may also be collaborative, with multiple users having access to the data content simultaneously (except for actual content collisions). The container may be exposed to another user through request-to-perform techniques as passed through a work package.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses provide contextual awareness to a groupware client with respect to an enterprise backend system. The groupware client generates a query or request for data within a context of the groupware client. A backend determines the context, which may include processing an indication of the context received with the query. Data is selectively chosen based on the context, and the selected data is provided to the groupware client to fulfill the request. In one embodiment, the backend determines a permission associated with the context.

Abstract: A backend enterprise server includes an application that sends metadata to a groupware client. The metadata enables an enterprise user to modify a function of the backend application from within the context of the groupware client. The groupware client sends metadata describing the modification back to the backend application where the modification is applied.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses enable providing a structured business query interface to receive a structured business query. The interface can be provided as an extension to a business productivity application. The query is made without having to change context from the application to another program, but rather can be made within the context of the application. The query triggers access to a backend, which may result in accessing a data object that is inserted or embedded into the application, or a document of the application. In one embodiment, a business process extension is also available to the application, which enables a task pane within the application with other features and/or data. In one embodiment, related data can be accessed in response to selecting the inserted data object, which can provide additional information on the data object without leaving the context of the application.

Abstract: A feedback system for visual content is described that allows individual users to obtain feedback regarding selected visual content. A user of the system uploads any desired visual content, and associates the content with a feedback campaign having user-defined characteristics. The user also may associate feedback elements with the visual content, such as comments regarding the visual content or the type of feedback that is desired. The feedback system provides the visual content and feedback elements to selected other users, perhaps by sending a link to the other users via email. In this way, the receiving users may provide feedback regarding the visual content. In particular, the receiving users may generate a virtual note to be placed on a selected portion of the visual content, so as to provide comment specific to the selected portion. As a result, individual users are enabled to create and manage multiple feedback campaigns.

Abstract: A workspace container provides data content in a generic way with interfaces and tools common to data of different types. The container has an owner, and may include one or more activities, which each have an objective and are associated with various resources to accomplish the objective. User interaction in the container transforms the container contents and is persisted with the container. Different data types are represented uniformly from the perspective of data input, data access, and display rendering. Additionally, common tools can be embedded within the container, which receive content items and user-generated content as input to transform the container contents at a runtime of the container. The container may also be collaborative, with multiple users having access to the data content simultaneously (except for actual content collisions). The container may be exposed to another user through request-to-perform techniques as passed through a work package.

Abstract: A system and method for persistently associating a control widget with a plurality of managed widgets operating within a widget runtime environment; changing a state of the managed widgets as a group, the state including one of open, closed, or hidden; and representing the changed state of the managed widgets via a display. Managed widgets having a closed state are neither displayed nor connected with a data source, widgets having an open state are both displayed and connected with a data source, and widgets having an intermediate state are not displayed (e.g. hidden) but are connected with a data source and capable of receiving updated information while hidden.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses enable providing a structured business query interface to receive a structured business query. The interface can be provided as an extension to a business productivity application. The query is made without having to change context from the application to another program, but rather can be made within the context of the application. The query triggers access to a backend, which may result in accessing a data object that is inserted or embedded into the application, or a document of the application. In one embodiment, a business process extension is also available to the application, which enables a task pane within the application with other features and/or data. In one embodiment, related data can be accessed in response to selecting the inserted data object, which can provide additional information on the data object without leaving the context of the application.