The online world was abuzz when Google recently released Google Wave - an invitation-only public beta version of its most collaborative cloud-based application Not to be outdone, Microsoft, which has been continuously switching to a cloud-based application space, dramatically slashed prices of its Exchange 2010 and SharePoint 2010 by as much as 50 percent. These developments positively reinforce the rising popularity of cloud computing and encourages the possibility of supporting enterprise-wide collaboration in future years.
The research firm Garter, Inc recently launched the results of its study that stated that eighty percent of all enterprise collaboration platforms will be spurred by browser-based Web 2.0 technologies in early 2013. The firm believes that the primary use for this development would be for documentation purposes.
Still, the transition between file-based activities - used by traditional tools and browser-based collaboration platforms - such as wikis and SharePoint Online - will still meet challenges because of the working preferences of end-users. Moreover, organizations still have questions about security and non-disclosure.
"There are fundamental differences between working styles that are file-oriented and document-based and those that are Web 2.0 and browser-based," said Jeff Mann, the Research Vice President at Gartner. "Understanding and accommodating these differences will be important factors in determining the success of collaboration platform introductions," he said.
"Users who have spent years primarily working with PC-based office automation suites such as Microsoft Office, tend to favor the file orientation and can find it unnerving to work in a Web 2.0 environment where people can be editing the same page at the same time," said Mann.
The issue of control over the output may also be a problem in a traditional setting – where documents go through an established process and pass from one team member to another. In a Web 2.0 setting, the exact opposite situation occurs. Simultaneous writing, reviewing and editing permeate most documentation work - until all of the team members are satisfied with the output.
"Users accustomed to free-flowing wikis and blogs can stumble over the process and the more-structured requirements when using document repositories. It is this mismatch between expectations and working styles that lies at the heart of many projects facing issues with user adoption," he added.
"Evolving technologies and increasing familiarity with Web 2.0 techniques will eventually reduce or even eliminate the distinctions between file-oriented and online environments," said Mr Mann. "However, while functionality will reduce the gap in user mentality, it will prove persistent and remain a challenge to collaboration managers introducing new technologies to their users."
