Internet Collaboration Tools

14 July, 2009

Recently I was captured by an interesting article posted by BNET Australia that has started a series of columns that focus on the advancement of management technologies.

Along with today's fast paced business environment, global industries and even the transferred affects of the world-wide recession, it seems collaboration tools via the internet and a stream of tech companies are being quickly adopted for team, client and project management.

In this series, the reputable business blog site will examine some of the common tools and evaluate their current and potential value to the marketplace.

With an introductory note about the determining factor of human input, it is important to remember that it is how people use the technology, rather than just the technology itself, that dictates its success or failure.

Web meeting tools, such as WebEx, LiveMeeting and iLinc, as well as knowledge capture and group collaboration tools, including Google groups, Ning and SharePoint, were approached first.

In analysis, it appears that both types can be incredibly useful, efficient and time saving, and cater to businesses and clients working across different time zones. Additionally they allow users to access the latest version of projects or data and keep communication fast, effective and relevant. They help to minimise misunderstandings and ensure all correspondence is available to everyone at all times.

On the other hand, the value of utilising these technologies lies significantly in the hands of the users. Business may begin to incorporate these tools into their process, however many do so without considering the new learning curve and training involved for their staff.

Perhaps the lesson highlighted here is that anything, no matter how good it is, is only as good as the actual investment made... after all, you only get out what you put in.

Click here to read BNET's article

Blog post written by Michelle Jennins of Feedia - Web Design Brisbane