Abstract: A collaborative session is represented by a session object which receives all messages generated by the programs and transmits the messages to all programs participating in the session. The session object can include shared objects which are managed by the session and can be updated without requiring messages to be transmitted over a network. Accordingly, programs may enter a session after it begins and immediately access common session information, such as a state database.

Abstract: A collaborative application framework is used to build application programs which communicate with a central collaboration manager by means of a predetermined protocol. The predetermined protocol allows converters to be located at the collaboration manager site so that the programs neither include, nor require, preconfigured converters. Accordingly, new programs may easily and inexpensively be added to the system. The framework includes class code information which is incorporated into each application program by subclassing and which allows the program to communicate with the central manager by passing messages. The framework further includes class code for creating in the central manager a session object which receives a first message from a first program, converts the information in the first message into an information format utilized by a second program and forward a second messages to the second program containing information in the appropriate format.

Abstract: In a colloboration system which allows a plurality of programs to interact, each program registers an "interest" in messages with a session object. The session object, which represents the colloboration session and acts as a collaboration manager, receives all messages but broadcasts a received message only to those programs which have registered an interest in the message. In one embodiment, a colloborative application framework is used to build both the session object and the application programs. The framework includes class code information which is incorporated into each application program by subclassing and which allows each program to communicate with the session object through a predetermined protocol.