A document-centric method for combined synchronous and asynchronous applications

In this paper, we present a concept for developing applications that allow users to work synchronously together while being able to use asynchronous features, such as work resumption from any point in time. Therefore, we formulate abstract requirements for a protocol realizing the introduced approach. Furthermore, an architecture for deployment is outlined. We show three different applications - all realizing the proposed method. An evaluation summarizes the drawbacks and advantages of the approach. The introduced concept should show up a practical solution especially to sufficiently store collaboration processes. By proving the combination of synchronous and asynchronous features into one application to fulfill basic user needs, it could be an efficient way for applications realizing two working modes, which mostly have been addressed separately in previous solutions.