Dynamic collaboration in social networking environment

Abstract

A method and system for facilitating collaboration between two groups without impairing or affecting the structure of the two groups is provided.

1 . A method for facilitating collaboration by a first group and a second group, the method comprising the steps of:
 creating a collaboration group, wherein a processing device stores data representative of the collaboration group in a memory operatively connected to the processing device;   linking the first group to the collaboration group, wherein the processing devices stores data in the memory representative of the link between the first group and the collaboration group;   linking the second group to the collaboration group, wherein the processing device stores data in the memory representative of the link between the second group and the collaboration group in the memory; and   facilitating collaboration by the first and second groups, wherein a first structure of the first group remains unchanged by the collaboration and a second structure of the second group remains unchanged by the collaboration.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising displaying on a display operatively connected to the processing device a collaboration group graphical user interface representative of the collaboration group. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of facilitating collaboration comprises providing a discussion area configured to allow any member of the first or second groups to post material. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of facilitating collaboration comprises providing a multimedia area configured to allow any member of the first or second groups to upload multimedia to be used by the collaboration group. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  Wherein the step of facilitating collaboration comprises providing a document area configured to allow any member of the first or second groups to upload a document for use by the collaboration group. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising providing a search engine configured to allow a first user of the first group to locate the second group. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising providing a group directory configured to allow a first user of the first group to locate the second group. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising sending an invitation from the first group to the second group to request the second group to participate in the collaboration group. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising allowing additional users to become members of the collaboration group. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising providing a graphical user interface configured to allow any member to interact with the collaboration group. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising dissolving the collaboration group without affecting the first or second structures. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the first structure is an identification of all of the members of the first group. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the second structure is an identification of all the members of the second group.