Given the broad popularity of Internet technology, even in its present immature state, and also the recent progress made towards a human-centered view of information technology, the time now seems ripe to essentially extend the scope and power of enterprise information systems. This carefully arranged book concentrates on the relationships between coordination technology and business application requirements and introduces general elements of a cooperative infrastructure allowing for the construction of collaborative applications. It is essential reading for research and development professionals active in the area as well as for IT managers interested in applying this promising new technology in order to remain competitive in the future.