Groupware development faces unique challenges due to the differences between group and individual settings. Many groupware failures are not due to technical issues but stem from a lack of understanding of the specific demands of group software. The article outlines the origins of groupware, describes eight key problem areas, and examines successes to find better approaches for supporting group work. Groupware includes features like conferencing, coauthoring, email, and meeting support systems. Despite efforts, few groupware products have succeeded as well as email and bulletin boards. Groupware is often a new market for developers, and its development involves different contexts than single-user applications. Groupware is positioned between single-user applications and organizational systems. Early systems focused on organizational goals, while later developments addressed group needs. Groupware developers face challenges such as differing work and benefit distributions, achieving critical mass, disrupting social processes, exception handling, unobtrusive accessibility, evaluation difficulties, failure of intuition, and the adoption process. These challenges are more complex than those in single-user applications or organizational systems. Groupware applications often require additional work from users who do not directly benefit, leading to resistance. Successful use depends on user participation and understanding of the application's benefits. Groupware must be introduced carefully, as its success is highly dependent on user acceptance. Developers must consider social, political, and motivational factors that influence group dynamics. Evaluation of groupware is difficult due to the complexity of social interactions and the need for long-term observation. Intuitive decision-making in groupware development is often flawed, as developers rely on experience from single-user applications. Groupware requires a different approach, considering the needs of all users and the social context of group work. Managing acceptance is a new challenge, requiring careful planning, user involvement, and clear communication of the application's benefits. Successful groupware development involves understanding user needs, designing for usability, and ensuring that the application fits into the group's workflow. The article highlights the importance of user involvement, proper evaluation, and careful introduction to ensure the success of groupware applications.Groupware development faces unique challenges due to the differences between group and individual settings. Many groupware failures are not due to technical issues but stem from a lack of understanding of the specific demands of group software. The article outlines the origins of groupware, describes eight key problem areas, and examines successes to find better approaches for supporting group work. Groupware includes features like conferencing, coauthoring, email, and meeting support systems. Despite efforts, few groupware products have succeeded as well as email and bulletin boards. Groupware is often a new market for developers, and its development involves different contexts than single-user applications. Groupware is positioned between single-user applications and organizational systems. Early systems focused on organizational goals, while later developments addressed group needs. Groupware developers face challenges such as differing work and benefit distributions, achieving critical mass, disrupting social processes, exception handling, unobtrusive accessibility, evaluation difficulties, failure of intuition, and the adoption process. These challenges are more complex than those in single-user applications or organizational systems. Groupware applications often require additional work from users who do not directly benefit, leading to resistance. Successful use depends on user participation and understanding of the application's benefits. Groupware must be introduced carefully, as its success is highly dependent on user acceptance. Developers must consider social, political, and motivational factors that influence group dynamics. Evaluation of groupware is difficult due to the complexity of social interactions and the need for long-term observation. Intuitive decision-making in groupware development is often flawed, as developers rely on experience from single-user applications. Groupware requires a different approach, considering the needs of all users and the social context of group work. Managing acceptance is a new challenge, requiring careful planning, user involvement, and clear communication of the application's benefits. Successful groupware development involves understanding user needs, designing for usability, and ensuring that the application fits into the group's workflow. The article highlights the importance of user involvement, proper evaluation, and careful introduction to ensure the success of groupware applications.