Group support system product comparisons

The paper provides product profiles and a comparison of alternative group support systems (GSS). Following a description of the underlying philosophies, perspectives, and evolution of GSS software, comparative criteria are developed based on aspects of people, data, software, and hardware. Twelve candidate systems from three types of GSS software are compared using these criteria and the implications of these comparisons are discussed. The overall objective is to encourage both academics and practitioners to consider the many interrelated components associated with different GSS that would impact selection in an organizational context