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		| Paper: | 
		The AstroVR Collaboratory, an On-line Multi-User Environment for Research in Astrophysics | 
	 
	
		| Volume: | 
		77, Astronomical Data Analysis Software and Systems IV | 
	 
	
		| Page: | 
		99 | 
	 
	
		| Authors: | 
		van Buren, D.; Curtis, P.; Nichols, D. A.; Brundage, M. | 
	 
	
	
		| Abstract: | 
		We describe our experiment with an on-line collaborative environment where users share the execution of programs and communicate via audio, video, and typed text. Collaborative environments represent the next step in computer-mediated conferencing, combining powerful compute engines, data persistence, shared applications, and teleconferencing tools. As proof of concept, we have implemented a shared image analysis tool, allowing geographically distinct users to analyze FITS images together. We anticipate that \htmllink{AstroVR}{http://astrovr.ipac.caltech.edu:8888} and similar systems will become an important part of collaborative work in the next decade, %including with applications in remote observing, spacecraft operations, on-line meetings, %as well as and day-to-day research activities. The technology is generic and promises to find uses in business, medicine, government, and education. | 
	 
	
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