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Hitachi Enriched the Facilities of the Integrated Groupware System, Groupmax Version 2 - Groupmax Version 2 is the first software product in its field to apply Java, so that you can operate a workflow using only a Web browser. - (This is a translation of the Japanese press release.)

January 24, 1997

The use of intranets is now popular, and more companies are setting up intranets between companies called extranet. Furthermore, electronic commerce is attracting more and more attention. Under these circumstances, constructing core system using the Internet as the infrastructure is increasing. This requires more groupware and workflow links with the Internet.

In December 1994 Hitachi unveiled Groupmax as the tool for promoting Business Process Reenginering, and in June 1996 released Groupmax Version 2, a groupware and workflow system usable on the Web.

Applying the JAVA applet technology to Groupmax V2 enables workflows to operate on the Web. Groupmax V2 is the first program designed with the the Web in mind. Specifically, JAVA applet technology enables you to create the electronic forms transmitted in a workflow. Applying the JAVA applet technology to Groupmax V2 enables you to affix a seal to an electronic form and to access core databases; both of these functions were impossible when you sent a workflow using a Web browser. Therefore, you can construct workflow systems on the Web environment. Because a form is sent from the Web server to a Web browser, you do not have to change the programs in the personal computer (the client). This lessen the work load on the system administrators. (Creating electronic forms using Java)

Hitachi designed the workflow system of Groupmax Version 2 to be compatible with Microsoft Exchange, enabling Exchange users to connect with core systems. (Groupmax Workflow for Exchange)

Hitachi also developed the directories for managing user addresses for when you construct a global groupware system. This facility uses the LDAP, the standard protocol, so you can smoothly exchange information with different mail systems. (Directory service)

LDAP: The standard for the facilities for managing the addresses in electronic mail systems

Hitachi has released the following facilities:

• Groupmax Form Version 2.0 for World Wide Web
• Groupmax Workflow Version 2.0 for Exchange
• Groupmax Directory Server Version 2.0
• Groupmax Directory Client Version 2.0

Supported platforms

As server: HI-UX/WE2, HP-UX, Windows NT 3.51 Server and Windows NT 4.0 Server.
As clients: Windows 95, Windows NT 3.51 Workstation and Windows NT 4.0 Workstation.

Copyrights

• HP-UX is a product name of Hewlett-Packard Company.
• Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. in the U. S. and other countries.
• Macintosh is a trademark of Macintosh Laboratory, Inc. licensed to Apple Computer, Inc.
• Windows NT is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. in the U. S. and other countries.
• Java and all Java-based trademarks and logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and other countries.