Abstract: In order to design a distributed cooperative system, after a detailed analysis of the cooperation mode of computer supported cooperative work (CSCW) system, an architecture based on J2EE and engineering database is proposed. The data of the system are divided into global and local forms, while the global data are further classified as management data and engineering data. Management of the engineering database is carried out using the Servlet/JSP/ Bean technology. An Applet will communicate with I-DEAS under the CORBA protocol.