The document discusses web-based collaboration platforms and tools. It defines collaboratories as combining collaboration and sharing of objects like documents through web portals. Web-based collaboration supports remote group work, online classes, and joint projects. There are three classes of collaboration capabilities: sharing participants through audio/video conferencing, basic communication tools like email and chat, and sharing resources like documents. Popular tools include communication tools like email, conferencing tools like video conferencing, and collaborative management tools like project management systems.