Virtual Workspace Technologies
As companies struggle to enable long-distance collaboration, technology becomes key to keeping virtual teams working together. However, some tools work better than others. Managers seek solutions that provide the benefits of face-to-face contact without the expense or disruption. The authors bring together the latest research developments in virtual-team communication, discussing the trend toward the establishment of "virtual workspaces" that enable teams to communicate through the use of complex technologies -- such as virtual whiteboards, collaborative document editors and instant messaging -- helping team members to work in tandem more effectively. They detail the need for managers to tailor the use of each technology to the type of team and activity, and the benefits of virtual workspaces.