The People Part of Working with People You Can’t Be With

• Network World reviewed how CoActive Digital implemented its Socialtext wiki, and in particular the steps taken to help staff move away from email to the new wiki. Key points in the approach: (1) pre-populating the group’s wiki with recent documents they have been working with, (2) secure buy-in from the leader of the group that things will be done differently, and (3) remember the human element when tagging documents. One thing I would add is peer/colleague reinforcement of the change, by finding lead users in the group and helping them to help others make the transition. Much like happened with group scheduling, “What do you mean you don’t have your calendar online yet?”
• Mark argues that Enterprise 2.0 technologies are better able to deal with error than email, because of the single source of truth and revisability at any point. “The concern behind this question usually comes from people experiencing incorrect, or unauthorized, information being distributed via email. In the email paradigm erroneous information can persist for much longer depending upon who is included in the distribution list for the email. In the Wiki paradigm (usually) anyone can have visibility to information and so the error can be caught much more quickly.” Sounds like a reasonable approach, assuming that people engage with the new tool (see above).

The Technology Trends of Working with People You Can’t Be With

• Open-Xchange previewed the next edition of Open-Xchange Server Edition, its groupware product. Key features: “(1) “Mashup” capabilities powered by UWA (Netvibes Universal Widget API) enable easy integration of web applications, such as RSS feeds, podcasts, video channels, Salesforce.com, and SAP Business One, so that the Open-Xchange software serves as the user’s central information portal; and (2) Plug-in architecture for the graphical user interface (GUI) enables smooth integration of Instant Messaging tools, support for text messages and fax to help unify communications and reduce the need for managing multiple address books.” Available later in 3Q. Open-Xchange is hitting the high points with its latest release, and it’s open source to boot!
• David offers an extensive review of document sharing services on the Web, including Google Docs, Scribd, Box.net, Docstoc, FilesAnywhere and OmniDrive. “Store, share, search, and collaborate – the possibilities are endless depending on your needs. If you want a little extra storage space because you’ve reached the maximum on your web hosting plan, try and find a free file storage service that won’t delete your files due to a few weeks of inactivity and offers at least 1GB of space. You should also make sure the service has been around for a while. But whatever you do, keep copies of whatever you leave there in case the service disappears or becomes inaccessible.” Xythos on Demand would have been another good one to look into.
• IDC projects that instant messaging will overtake email by 2010 as the business communications medium of choice. “Instant messaging (IM) is set to overtake e-mail as the preferred form of business communication by the second half of 2010, according to research by IDC. The research, sponsored by Nortel, found that this is because hyperconnected individuals are becoming ‘addicted to the instant gratification of IM and text messaging’.” If there is a backlash against email and not being able to keep up, watch for the same backlash against IM.
• Topia Technology launched SKOOT, a file transfer and sharing service that integrates into the user’s current working environment. “With SKOOT, users no longer have to worry about whether their version of a company document – take a sales presentation in Microsoft PowerPoint for example – is current. There is no need to rely on access to a company extranet, a passive and cumbersome repository of information, or email requests, in order to stay up-to-date. Once a file is updated, it is “SKOOTED” to each workspace member by simply “saving as” into a SKOOT workspace from within PowerPoint. The most current document automatically is distributed to their personal workspace, resulting in the most current files and documents of all company information on each user’s individual computer or PDA.” Available immediately.

Insights on Being Productive and Effective

• Nicholas champions the idea of being different, and list 101 ideas. Eg, “1. Apple does it by being cool; 2. Steve Jobs knows form is function; 3. iPod or Zune; it’s a non-brainer; 4. Michael Wade does it by quantity and quality and speed to (his) market; and 10. Matt does it through his new ideas lab.” Maybe another way of saying it is: What makes you special in the eyes of your current and prospective clients?
• Stepping away from it all for a short period on a regular basis is a great way to avoid the blues and becoming overwhelmed. “No, really, walk away for a while. A day, maybe two. See what happens. With the executive athletes I coach, we take 48 hours off. The result: a more engaged “next” workout, and well-rested muscle groups.” You can’t be productive by working continuously; you have to have time away from doing to think, reflect and plan.