Abstract: A computing system and methods are provided for executing an application framework to provision a pipeline or workspace which may include applications that collaborate, such as, in performing a physical actuation of a physical component. The provisioning may include determining or receiving an indication of the applications to be installed and contextual information of each of the applications. The contextual information includes data objects, data types, or data formats supported by each of the applications and relationships among the applications. The computing system may provision one or more of the applications based on the indication of the applications to be installed and the contextual information. The computing system may receive an indication of an update at a first application of the applications and propagate the update to a subset of the applications based on the contextual information.

Abstract: Individual participants in a brainstorming session collectively build a mind map representing their individual contributions and joint conclusions. The participants communicate via a network, such as the Internet, to enable convenient participation from different physical locations. Information recorded by one participant instantly becomes available to the other participants in a convenient manner. Brainstorming session participants access a system of at least one server and data base through a network to access the mind map. The participants also have convenient access to resources, such as Internet search engines, as they collaborate, and they have convenient methods to record information for immediate access by the other participants. With such functionality available, an individual participant can contribute to the brainstorming session at times that are convenient to himself/herself, because it is not necessary that all participants attend a session at the same time.