A collaborative work platform is a virtual work space, that is, a computer tool") (frequently a digital site on the Internet), which centralizes all the functionalities linked to the conduct of a project, the management of knowledge and/or the operation of an organization,[1] making them available to the different actors involved.

The objective of collaborative work is to facilitate and optimize communication between people, within the framework of a specific job or project, or eventually regarding more diffuse and general objectives, for example, socialization of certain groups while promoting culture and creativity, etc.; In the latter case, impact evaluations are generally also contemplated.

This type of platforms usually integrates the following functionalities:.

• - Computer tools (logical, procedural).

• - Structured knowledge base[2]​ containing guides or group work methods, to improve communication, production, and coordination within the group.

• - Some messaging system (examples: instant messaging; peer to peer);.

• - Some system that allows sharing files and resources (client-server, peer to peer, dropbox);.

• - Some digital forum type tools "Forum (Internet)"), discussion pages, "chat", etc. ;.

• - A thromboscope (user or participant profile directory);

• - Weblogs or equivalent, by project and/or by theme;.

• - Some rating system (audience index) and/or voting;.

• - Calendar ;.

• - Some collective "Archive (computing)" filing system, and personal digital pages;.

• - An index or base-list with pending tasks and those already completed;.

• - Some complementary tools (videoconference or audioconference, telephone conference "Conference (call)", participatory development of heuristic trees, etc.).

• - MediaWiki, Semantic MediaWiki.

• - Unified communications.

• - Collaborative work environment").

• - Patronage.

• - Crowdfunding.

• - Crowdsourcing (micro-patronage).

• - Business social network").

• - Online community manager.