A system for managing information in concurrent engineering

A software system is described, called XTra.NET, that supports functionality of communication suited industries, service companies and institutes. It provides advanced tools for management of information, effectiveness and efficiency. The system deals with all problems related to communication in complex environments, such as concurrent engineering projects, Computer-Supported Cooperative Work, geographically distributed teams, projects with a large number of partners, in other words, where there is a need for a strong communication-coordination component. XTra.NET integrates different concepts and systems, such as groupware, web content management system, document manager. It is therefore different from other systems available on the market, because its functionality can be found only separately in different systems and not together. Hence, the XTra.NET solution is inexpensive and easily to expand, therefore particularly suited to SMEs. XTra.NET is a Concurrent Engineering Support System that allows easy exchange of information and data at the worldwide level. It is a further development of the Web Site/Portal realized for the e-Power project, IST-2000-29343. From the vision created for collaborating SMEs, a new offering was conceived, which XTra.NET extends further. The new system has also been proposed for prototypal work in IMS project AIM, Acceleration of Innovative ideas to Market, 02004, Abstract Endorsed.