The TRANSCOOP project started with an analysis of different cooperative work scenarios and their underlying computer support. the goal was to found the subsequent specification and transaction model development on a sound basis of requirements which reflect the organization of cooperative work processes in practice and which address the shortcomings of existing solutions. the analysis comprised the investigation of organizational processes, a consideration of existing computer support with its advantages and limitations, and the identification of characteristics that the applications have in common. From these common characteristics, requirements for the specification language and the transaction model were deduced.