Workgroup Web

What is a Workgroup Web?

The power of the web technology and Mosaic software can allow you to create useful and flexible information services without additional software. A "Workgroup Web" refers to the use of the workgroup's file service instead of hypertext servers used in the World Wide Web to construct a hypertext web.

Because Universal Resource Locators (URLs) can link information stored in hypertext servers and information stored in local or shared files, creating your own Workgroup Web is as easy! The following steps outline how to create one:

  1. Create a set of Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) files with a text editor such as Microsoft Notepad.
  2. Allow access to the files through your preferred filesharing software such as PATHWORKS, Windows for Workgroups, Novell NetWare, and so on.
  3. Announce the URL to whomever you want to participate in the Workgroup Web.

For an example of what kinds of information you can provide through a Workgroup Web, please visit our fictitious company, The Widget Company (manufacturers of quality widgets since 1834!).

Workgroup Web versus World Wide Web

In comparison to the use of World Wide Web, Workgroup Web offers the following benefits: On the other hand, there are also some limitations:

How to Create a Workgroup Web

The easiest way to start a Workgroup Web is to copy the Widget Company files to another directory (using the File Manager) and modify them using your organization's information.

If you look at the Widget Company example's HTML files, you will notice that they all have the file extension of .HTM. Note that the hypertext links (also known as "anchors") have a special format called relative links. The URLs that point to information within the Workgroup Web must use this relative link format. This will ensure that they are independent of a drive letter they eventually are assigned. The relative link also permits the files within the Workgroup Web to be reused in a hypertext server without modification.

To view the workgroup Web you can use one of two methods:

  1. The easiest way to begin is to pull down the "Open Local..." option on the File menu. Locate and open the initial .HTM you want to view.
  2. A more advanced way is to use the "Open URL..." option on the File menu and type in the URL for the file. URLs for files have the following format:file:///C|/directory/file.htm, where "C" is the drive letter where the files reside, directory is the directory path on the drive to the file, and file.htm is the file you want to view. Mosaic always displays the current URL in the toolbar.

Experimentation and examining other HTML files is the easiest way to build up your web. The "View Source" option on the Edit menu is invaluable for learning how something you see on the screen was achieved.

Summary

Although there are some limitations to a Workgroup Web, it is a very useful tool for sharing a variety of information often found in a workgroup (or small enterprise) setting. As shown by the "Widget Company" example, a wide variety of information can be linked together in new and exciting ways. Taking advantage of Mosaic's multimedia capabilities can further enhance the value of information stored throughout your enterprise.