Collaboration on the fly

This paper explores a collaboration configuration called a coalition and proposes using a form of virtual world software to make them function more efficiently. Coalitions are temporary collaborative groups where shared interests connect constituent individuals and teams loosely, where constituents are part-time members of the coalition, and where membership in the coalition at any moment is fluid and diffuse. Communications among constituents may be non-existent, hindering coordination of the coalition. The paper describes a coalition that confronts a large networked computing breakdown, and discusses how it would be possible to coordinate that coalition by providing its members with the appropriate information to assist with resolving the breakdown. This structured information allow´s them to collaborate effectively without forcing them to establish any greater ability to interrelate