This node delivers collaboration extensions to the composition of the Presentation Server, Personalization Server and Application Server nodes (=Portal server environment). In doing this, the Distributed collaboration services node extents an existing Portal-based architecture with collaboration functions. It replaces traditional stand-alone collaboration servers and integrates their functions into a J2EE based service oriented architecture. For example, Team collaboration services (awareness, instant messaging etc.), Document services and Messaging services (PIM/E-Mail) are provided by this node. Special device access capabilities might be addressed by functions in this node or by using it in conjunction with the Distributed or Thin client extension services node.