**2.3 A virtual working space**

Virtual world technologies provide computer-mediated three-dimensional (3D) interactive environments through which end users control one or more avatars (computer-generated proxies) in a persistent-state. Unlike other computer-mediated entertainment or simulation environments, virtual worlds typically retain a strongly temporal character where there is a persistent record of interaction from session to session. With respect to business processes, virtual workspaces utilize virtual world technologies to provide business users with a collaborative and immersion environment designed to better enable core business processes over a specified period of time (Cherbakov, Brunner, Lu, & Smart, 2009).

Virtual workspaces typically provide workers with, "a complete online communication/collaboration package that allows workgroups to share files and applications, use an online whiteboard, and communicate via chat or instant messaging"(Toolbox for IT, 2007). A virtual workspace is a workplace that is not located in any one physical space. That is, virtual workspaces consist of several workplaces that are technologically connected (typically via the Internet) without any regard for specific geographic boundaries. Workers are able to work and communicate interactively with one another in a collaborative environment regardless of their actual geographical location. There are a variety of advantages related tot he use of virtual workspaces for businesses and education.

For example, some advantages of implementing virtual workspaces are:


ROTATOR Model:

A Framework for Building Collaborative Virtual Workspaces 103

2. Collaborative Tasks - this component highlights key activities in the collaborative process. Collaboration is a means of producing something joined and new, from the interactions of people or organizations, their knowledge and resources. These interactions are facilitated by relationships—the personal bonds or 'connections'—that are established and maintained by the people and organizations participating in the collaboration. Relationships give collaboration strength, allowing it to form and function effectively. The quality of those relationships is determined by three primary factors: trust, reciprocity and mutuality (Miller & Ahmad, 1981) (Davis, Murphy,

3. End-Users - this component focuses on modeling user needs, values, skills, perceived challenges and their capabilities in decision making. End users are those who directly interact with the virtual collaborative workspace. Other users or stakeholders may also require consideration including those who are not directly involved in the use but whose inputs and decisions may have influence on the features of use. Other stakeholders may include those involved in the development of the workspace and/or those whose participation and input are needed for the development of the workspace.

4. Encompassing Technologies - this component outlines the collaborative media that are required to support virtual collaborative processes. The media consists of communication tools, shared business intelligence data, and shared virtual workspaces. These media allow the end-users to explore both synchronous and asynchronous collaborative experience across a common solution (Lim & Khalid, 2003) (Robidoux &

The characteristics of each of these components is unique to the level of virtual workspace integration within a given business scenerio. These four components can be used to more clearly understand the technological level of functionality experienced by businesses that

The ROTATOR model describes seven stages of virtualization/augmentation that do or will characterize virtual workdspaces at varying different stages of development and capability. The model presumes fluidity and that actual business use may swing back and forth between different stages much the way a pendulum glides back and forth depending on the outside forces impacting the particular business need or use at any given time. The focus of the ROTATOR model is to provide businesses with a common framework for analyzing their needs for and processes related to implementing collaborative virtual workspaces.

 Provide a practical model for describing various levels of virtual verses real presentation end-users might have immersed in any given virtual workspace solution. Assist in identifying what level of virtual world/augmentation implementation is

 Create a practical framework that represents the varying levels of both functionality and capability for planning, establishing and maintaining virtual workspaces.

needed to achieve the business's described, desired business outcomes.

integrate collaborative medium virtual workspaces with in their business processes.

process (Duncan, 1972) (Mescon, Albert, & Khedouri, 1988).

Owens, Khazanchi, & Zigurs, 2009) (Schmeil & Eppler, 2010).

(Geumacs, 2009) (Koehne, Redmiles, & Fischer, 2011).

Andersen, 2011) (Montoya, Massey, & Lockwood, 2011).

**4. Proposing a collaborative virtual workspace framework** 

The purpose of the ROTATOR model is to:

external organizations can all influence the effectiveness of the virtual collaborative


Some challenges to integrating virtual workspaces still exist. For example, some challenges of implementation of virtual workplaces are:

