Abstract: A supporting environment for multiple engine CAD groups to work collaboratively is established. Global data that are shared by multiple subsystems are stored in the central database managed by the ORACLE DDBMS. Global data are dynamically exchanged with I DEAS, the engineering design software package through CORBA specification. In this way, design data can be shared more efficiently and the consistency of the data is maintained. The environment also provides asynchronous collaborative tools such as task books and collaborating cards to support multiple groups to work collaboratively. The mechanism to manage system users is also supported.