Workspace
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Workspace is a term used in different engineering topics.
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[edit] Computer programming
In computer programming, Workspace is a term used for several different purposes.
[edit] Software development
A workspace is (often) a file or directory that allows a user to gather various source code files and resources and work with them as a cohesive unit. Workspaces are very helpful in cases of complex projects when maintenance can be challenging. A good example of an environment that allows users to create and use workspaces is Microsoft Visual Studio.
From the view of configuration management, a workspace is a part of the file system where the files of interest (for a given task like debugging, development, etc.) are located. A workspace acts as an environment where a programmer can work, isolated from the outside world, for the task duration.
[edit] Graphical interfaces
Additionally, workspaces refer to the grouping of windows in some window managers. Grouping applications in this way is meant to reduce clutter and make the desktop easier to navigate.
Multiple workspaces are prevalent on Unix-like operating systems and certain operating system shells. Mac OS X 10.5 is slated to include an equivalent feature called "Spaces"; a Windows XP PowerToy is available to bring this functionality to Windows.
Most systems with support for workspaces provide keyboard shortcuts to switch between them. Many also include some form of workspace switcher to change between them and sometimes to move windows between them as well.
Workspaces are visualized in different ways. For example, on Linux computers using Compiz or Beryl, each workspace is rendered as a face of an on-screen cube, and switching between workspaces is visualized by zooming out from the current face, rotating the cube to the new face, and zooming back in. On Mac OS, the old set of windows slides off the screen and the new set slides on. Systems without "eye candy" often simply remove the old windows and display the new ones without any sort of intermediate effect.
[edit] Online applications
In the context of Software-as-a-Service, Workspace is a term used by several software vendors (including BT, Union Square and Asite, plus, in the past, IBM and Groove) for applications that allow users to exchange and organize files over the Internet.
Such applications have several advantages over traditional FTP clients or virtual folder offerings, including:
- Ability to capture task performance data and version data
- Organization of information in a more user-friendly interface than a traditional file-based structure
- Secure storage and upload/download of data (many FTP clients are unsecured, susceptible to eavesdropping, or open to other abuse)
- Compatible with virtually all web browsers and computer operating systems.
- Updated on the server-side, meaning that a user will never have to update the software.
Beyond organizing and sharing files, these applications can often also be used as a business communication tool for assigning tasks, scheduling meetings, and maintaining contact information.
[edit] BT Workspace
Online address book databases such as Plaxo can be incorporated into Workspace so that client/employee contact information is updated automatically to the Workspace.
Small and medium-sized businesses are the typical users of this application given the high expense of purchasing and updating traditional business-related file sharing and productivity software.
Globally, Workspace is offered by British Telecom (as BT Workspace) and by Telus(as ePoint), though several other companies are developing or intend to develop the offering, which is based on Microsoft SharePoint and available from SMB:live Corporation.
