Virtual Collaboration in the Workplace

Managing Projects in a Virtual World

Posted for Haidar alM.

This article discussed the characteristics, capabilities and possible usage of Virtual-Worlds in project management.
A Virtual World (VW) is an instantiation of a metaverse, a fully immersive 3D virtual space in which people interact with one another using avatars and software agents. This virtual world resembles the real world or “first life” but without physical limitation. A Forrester report speculates that VW (ex. www.secondlife.com, www.there.com) are becoming a valuable work tools. The VW is being adopted not only by individuals but organizations like government agencies, universities and museums.  For example, a collaboration effort between IBM and China’s Place Museum was done to build a major historical and cultural attraction within a VW. They have built a virtual version of the famous Forbidden City.

IBM + Unbuntu (better then Windows 7?)

Posted for Kevin M.

IBM announced on Oct. 20th that they aimed to “cut the legs of Microsoft’s Windows 7 operating system from underneath it” by offering Ubuntu Linux-based hybrid cloud computing and desktop solutions with the hosted software and open-source operating system. IBM Client for Smart Work includes word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations from IBM Lotus Symphony; email from IBM Lotus Notes or the Company’s new LotusLive iNotes cloud-based email application, which starts at $3 per user per month; and LotusLive.com social networking and collaboration tools, which cost $10 per user per month.  These applications will run on the open-source Linux based desktops, laptops and servers. 

Raindrop by Mozilla

Posted for Fadekemi T

Raindrop is an application that is currently being developed by Firefox. The same team responsible for Thunderbird (a tool that allows users to organize, secure and customize email) is exploring a way to do the same for Open Web technologies.

One tool too many

Posted for Keith T.

A buddy of mine tried to get me to use mind maps a few years ago and I really didn’t get the concept or the purpose.  I traditionally used brain dumping as a means of collaboration.  I found our mindmeister experience very enlightening and enjoyable.  Since, I’ve used mind mapping as a technique to help my wife and daughter make some pretty difficult choices about school and career choices.  But, I ended up using a traditional white board as a tool.

Cultural Differences in Virtual Teams

Posted for Steve F.

While reading this article on “Bridging Cultural Diversity through E-Mail,” I thought about the challenges and opportunities that occur when teams are virtual, and especially when teams are virtual and from geographically disparate regions of the world. The paper quotes articles that support the idea that culturally diverse virtual teams are more effective due to the members having a wider range of perspectives than a homogeneous virtual team. Also, as a virtual team works to understand each other, that cross cultural appreciation would lead to better communication during brainstorming and therefore better ideas. But, how does it happen?

Intervals

Posted for Zahra A.

There are a lot of collaboration tools around us,but we do not know which ones are good for us until we try them. While I was searching via Internet I found this article about a new software program tool called Intervals. It is a web-based project management software for web designers and developers and, as we all know these days, there is big competition between companies to produce the best tool for their clients...   According to this article, this tool has many features to help small businesses succeed.

Remote Usability Testing Fosters Virtual Collaboration

Posted for Lana H.

Recently, I came across an article discussing remote usability testing which answered questions I had regarding the feasibility and logistics of doing something like this.  Why am I interested? After conducting usability testing and while debriefing a stockholder I answered an emphatic “yes” when asked if usability could be conducted remotely. I could answer yes since I will be apart of remote testing [as an observer] and I had previously read articles promoting this type of interaction.

Human Side to Virtual Work

Posted for Gosia D.

In "Enterprise 2.0: Making Virtual Collaboration Work”, David Gardner describes a trend that many small online virtual teams are quickly adopting namely the importance of finding a human side to virtual teams.

To give the online collaboration human touch some companies simply party together online such as one group may send some food to other group members in another country.  Others suggest that it is very important to respect cultural differences such as national holidays or music from a participant’s country.  

Myths Vs Facts of Online Degree Programs

Posted for Munib R.

The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn Alvin Toffler.

Too much Networking?

Posted for Sofia A.

The article “Mobile Apps: To Charge or Not to Charge?” written by Sarah Reedy talks about the fast growing popularity of mobile applications in wireless devices.  I started thinking after reading this article is too much social networking or being connected good for you?