Portal composite pattern::Runtime pattern and
Collaboration::Directed Collaboration application pattern

Overview
Runtime patterns define functional nodes that underpin an Application pattern. The Application pattern exists as an abstract representation of application functions, whereas the Runtime pattern is a middleware representation of the functions that must be performed, the network structure to be used, and the systems management features.

A portal implementation leverages the concept of personalization, multi-device type access, a presentation rendering mechanism, and a business rules engine. These are combined with the ability to search and index content (of various types and formats), provide collaboration, and manage content via a workflow to provide both content aggregation and a collaborative environment.

The Portal composite runtime pattern represents a starting point for most portal implementations, providing a way to identify those functional areas that will likely need to be addressed when considering this type of implementation.

Consequently, the Portal composite runtime pattern represents a preliminary step towards an operational architecture that can be implemented in a target environment to provide secure data aggregation, multi-client access and collaboration.

Collaboration::Directed Collaboration application pattern
The Collaboration business pattern enables interaction and collaboration between users. This pattern can be observed in solutions that support small or extended teams who need to work together in order to achieve a joint goal.

A portal will generally cause organizations to begin to analyze their existing structure and determine if consolidation and/or re-structuring of data and/or applications makes valid business sense. One of the concepts that can foster more efficient cross-organizational communication either during or after a transition is community. Community is empowered by Collaboration which can be enabled through the use of Collaborative technologies such as content management (e.g. where various users and groups collaborate on a shared idea or document) and interactive discussions (e.g. through the use of interactive messaging and chat functionality). The Portal composite runtime pattern identifies that the Collaboration concept is vital to a successful portal.

Directed Collaboration application pattern and Portal composite runtime pattern
(Click a node to get a detailed explanation.)
Design Last Updated: 12-07-2004

The Directed Collaboration application pattern is represented functionally by the collaboration node in the Portal composite pattern. This Application pattern allows users to collaborate with others on the network interactively (synchronous). This Application pattern requires the two users who need to interact to be online simultaneously. It also requires users to register with a server. This design works well with users who need to collaborate in real time, for example using instant messaging.

What's Next
If you would like to review additional Application patterns, and their corresponding Runtime patterns, return to the Portal: Select Application pattern page.

For a mapping of products that support the Runtime nodes shown above, review the Portal product mapping.