Application sharing
Application Sharing is an element of remote access, falling under the collaborative software umbrella, that enables two or more users to access a shared application or document from their respective computers simultaneously in real time. Generally, the shared application or document will be running on a host computer, and remote access to the shared content will be provided to other users by the host user.
Granting Access
Access is typically granted in one of two ways, depending on the architecture of the Application Sharing software.
1. If the software allows the shared content to be accessed from the web, the host user will usually define and provide a username/password combination to the remote users he/she wishes to grant access to; they can then enter the log-in information on the appropriate website and access the shared material. One example of software that features Application Sharing in this manner is Qnext.
2. If the software is required on both ends to access the shared content, granting access will be governed by the mechanisms of that particular software, but will usually require some sort of user authentication as well. One example of software that features Application Sharing in this manner is MSN Messenger.
Type of Access
Once the application(s) or document(s) to be shared and whom they are to be shared with have been determined, there are generally two types of access that can be granted to remote users.
1. Control Access – the host user allows remote users to actually control, edit, and manipulate the shared content; most Application Sharing software allows the host to revoke Control Access at any time.
2. View Access – the host user only allows remote users to passively view the shared content; remote users have no ability to edit or effect change in the shared content whatsoever.
Applications of…
There are two primary applications of Application Sharing, each contingent on the Type of Access granted.
1. Control Access – this configuration is most widely used to facilitate collaboration by virtual teams. Team members can collaborate on the same document, making instantly apparent changes in real-time.
2. View Access – this configuration is most suitable to a training scenario. The remote user (trainee) can passively view the actions of the host (trainer) without being able to interrupt or manipulate the shared content.