1 Introduction

1.1.1 The shared workspace project is investigating the feasibility of implementing a secure, electronic shared workspace for project and policy development across government agencies.

1.1.2 This document discusses the technical architecture options that could support such a system.

1.2 Assumptions

1.2.1 The following assumptions have been made:

• We will comply with, and help define, the E-Government interoperability standards

• We will require a LDAP aware product if we are to integrate with S.E.E. Directory

• We will minimise impact on the desktop, as we have no control over their specification or configuration

• We will use Internet browser technology (http), as the primary transport mechanism, with SSL for security (https)

• Browser based interaction will allow a richer interaction with a shared policy workspace than e-mail

• We will not attempt to cater for those Government agencies using old technology (such as Windows 3.1, Version 3 browsers)