The  COVE  project, launched in the framework of IFIP TC5, aims  at assessing research results  and  practices in  virtual  enterprises  and electronic  business, leading  to  the  design  of  common  reference  models, cooperation  infrastructures, and prospects for further collaborative developments. 

       It will be based on the creation and operation of a cluster / forum of participants and projects active in  the  field, covering a  world-wide representation, which will facilitate the exchange and  refinement  of knowledge and project results on new ways of working in networks of independent but cooperative nodes.