COLLABORATIVE SYSTEMS

The construction of computer systems that are intelligent, collaborati ve problem-solving partners is an important goal for both the science of Al and its application. From the scientific perspective, the develo pment of theories and mechanisms to enable building collaborative syst ems presents exciting research challenges across Al subfields. From th e applications perspective, the capability to collaborate with users a nd other systems is essential if large-scale information systems of th e future are to assist users in finding the information they need and solving the problems they have. In this address, it is argued that col laboration must be designed into systems from the start; it cannot be patched on. Key features of collaborative activity are described, the scientific base provided by recent Al research is discussed, and sever al of the research challenges posed by collaboration are presented. It is further argued that research on, and the development of, collabora tive systems should itself be a collaborative endeavor-within Al, acro ss subfields of computer science, and with researchers in other fields .