The integration of collaborative technologies with “ the way people work ” in today ’ s global economy

Communication amongst humans has evolved over thousands of years to incorporate multiple means by which people can collaborate today. Due to the geographic dispersion of business operations and ongoing corporate globalization, the need for collaborative tools has emerged. Collaborative technologies have an important role to play in improving the speed and efficiency of business and decision-making capabilities. Great value is found in the capturing of information for reuse: even if individuals leave a company, knowledge still resides within the company’s technological framework. Thus, companies find themselves relying less on the knowledge and expertise of individuals to create business continuity within the enterprise—corporations are better armed to stifle initiatives that continuously re-invent the wheel and hinder the efficiency of ongoing operations. Rather, an enterprise can focus its resources on those activities that promote corporate growth and competitive positioning within the marketplace.