Architecture Framework for Higher-Level Activity Support Using Multiple Functional Workspaces on the Desktop

Today’s desktop systems face two major drawbacks in supporting the KWer. First, on workspace-level there is insufficient support for a KWer’s higherlevel activities. Second, on information level, the KWer’s personal information is scattered across the desktop and its applications. We analyze that state-of-the-art research suggests using multiple functional workspaces and recommends an underlying common abstract information model. However, research hasn't yet shown an integrated architecture for realizing multiple workspaces on such a common abstract information model. We present an architecture framework for realizing higher-level activity support using multiple functional workspaces on the desktop and position it as alternative to current desktops. We propose to base these functional-oriented workspaces on a common personal information model which itself is maintained as service. Using the Nepomuk Social Semantic Desktop as example for a service-oriented desktop architecture, our approach represents an evolutionary architecture in contrast to more radical, but not commercially implemented research approaches.