Groove often gets compared to groupware applications like Lotus Notes and Microsoft NetMeeting as well as instant messaging (IM) applications. The basic activities available -- chat, bulletin-board style discussion forums, file sharing, calendaring, and sketching -- certainly are nothing new. However, two key elements set Groove apart from other person-to-person programming tools.

• focus on the fully peer-to-peer user experience
• extensibility via Web-based programming interfaces

Unlike many groupware tools, Groove does not require all participants to be online at the same time. The Groove system includes synchronization technology that stores data for intended recipients that are offline and later forwards that data when the recipients eventually re-connect. Also, with Groove all users can function as equals rather than needing to appoint one person that controls the flow of data. Groove users meet in virtual rooms called "spaces," and within these spaces all parties are free to work concurrently.

Groove is an extensible system that some people call a platform. It includes the Groove Development Kit -- a separately-downloadable package that includes documentation and examples for writing code that ties into existing Groove components or creates new ones. Code can be written in a number of programming languages -- particularly C++, Perl, and Python. Groove Networks, Inc. expects third-party software developers to create many new add-on features for the Groove environment.