The problem can be looked at through many dimensions/angles. Here the main actions are considered.

• Access information through the Internet (initially only through the Web).
  • Media includes:
    • Web documents.
    • Mailing lists discussions & mailing list archives.
    • Chat transcriptions. (not for version 1)
    • Bookmark lists. (not for version 1)
    • Web access to recorded & transcribed voice. (not for version 1)
    • Shared (non HTML) documents. (not for version 1)
    • Knowledge products. (not for version 1)
  • Types of access include:
    • Searching. Multiple criteria, with ability refine search (search within results, exclude etc.)
    • Browsing. Browse through information by any desired dimension.
    • Referrals. By printed URL or by different kinds of links.
       
• Thinking, which will include the manipulation of information. (not focused on for version 1 of the environment)
   
• Production of collaborative document. (not focused on for version 1 of the environment)
   
• Communicating.
  • WRITING (preparing to transmit): Authoring information. Either 'fresh; or in response to other information.
  • TRANSMITTING: information though email, Web, etc.
  • COMMENTING: Annotating others communications.
  • PUBLISHING: Uploading documents to the Web.
  • DIALOG, including:
    • Email (single & mailing list).
  • Accessing broadcast/communicated 'live' (email, voice and discussion groups) information (see above).
  • Accessing archived broadcast/communicated information (see above).