Every IFC software implementer, who is a registered IAI-member, is welcome to join the virtual workspaces. You will be invited by the ISG-coordinator. If you are interested, please follow these steps:

• Make sure, that you are a registred IAI-member.
  • In case you are not yet an IAI-member, get in contact with an appropriate IAI-chapter, where you can register.
• Purchase and download Groove
  • Groove is a peer-to-peer technology, which allows to easily create virtual workspaces, containing several tools. Every member has the data on his computer and will be automatically synchronised in case of any changes. Markers will notify and guide you to the places, where changes occured. You also can work off-line, while you are travelling, still having the latest sync-status with you. You can use one Groove-account on several computers. Usually you can use Groove even behind very strict firewalls without any changes in the firewall settings. 
  • Note: due to the sync-technology it is important, that you stay online with Groove os often and as long as possible. Ideally you launch Groove, when you boot your computer and stop Groove when you shut down. If you stay off-line for too long time, others need to store your sync-data. After a certain amount you'll become suspended and will no longer be synchronised. It makes no sense to join these spaces, if you just want to spend a short glance.
  • Depending on the workspace, the first time you will be synchronised with a couple of 100 MB. After this you'll receive some KB up to some 10 MB per day, depending on the activity in the workspaces.
  • You should choose a computer which has at least DSL-internet connectivity. A dial-in-modem is too slow.
  • You need to purchase at least the most simple version of Groove. The trial-release is not sufficient for the amount of data in our workspaces, because it has reduced synchronisation speed. You may want to use the trial release just to make some small exercises and tests with your colleagues. The trial release is reduced to 3 worksapces and will expire. After this, you will no longer be synchronised and cut-off from any new data and information in the space.
  • The license fee for the most simple Groove-release is quite reasonable and less than travelling around for one day.
  • Here you can find information on Groove and how to get accees to it: http://www.groove.net . In the year 2006 Microsoft took over Groove and sice then you can get it from there. The Groove release 2007 is also part of the Microsoft Office Package 2007.
  • Most of our current ISG-members are still using the Groove release 3.1, which was offered directly by Groove. It is no problem to participate with the new Groove release 2007, which is now offered by Microsoft. However, you need to take care of one option, as described on the following website:
    http://www.grooveforms.com/faq/acceptoldspacesingroove2007.aspx
• Setup a Groove-Account
  • You'll have two types of accounts: one for purchasing Groove and logg-into the Groove-site and one or more Groove-Accounts, with which you can enter workspaces.
  • After you've installed Groove and setup a Groove-Account, publish it in the "Public Groove Directory". You can do this under the follwoing menu: "Options > Preferences > Identities".
  • Please fill out the data under "Identities", so that others know, how you are. Our spaces are no chats and they are not public. They are exclusive to IAI-members and Groove-technology ensures the safty and privacy.
  • Send an e-mail to the ISG-Coordinator containing the following information:
    • Name of your Groove-Account, so that it can be found in the public Groove Directory
    • Name(s) of the space(s), where you want to become invited
    • IAI-Chapter, where you are registered
• Accepting invitations
  • IAI has only reduced service power which is mostly based on complimentary work. Therefore it might take some days, until you'll receive the invitation.
  • In case you are receiving multiple invitations, please accept one after the other and not all at the same time. Otherwise you might experience troubles and time-outs due to limmitted bandwidth.
  • Be patient, while you receive the synchronisation. With some spaces you'll receive some 100 MB and depending on the available bandwidth and activites on the server, it may take some time.
  • Important:
    • do not interrupt the synchronisation, depending on the available bandwidth, it may take some time
    • do not shut down your computer while the sync is running
    • avoid any risky actions on your computer such as testing and debugging, while the sync is running.