What is the future of technology enhanced collaboration?

Answer

My response to this question was given in terms of a demonstration around Sametime 3D and using brain storming and project management tools within the Sametime 3D virtual world construct.

How do I log into Sametime 3D from Lotus Notes 8.5

Answer

Asusming you have the appropriate plugins and access to the secure Opensim environment here is a video showing the steps. (more video to come on this topic)

For many of us the use of virtual worlds such as OpenSim and Secondlife provides business benefit when we can extend the existing collaboration tools such as web-based teamrooms, instant messaging, telephone conference calls etc.

IBM Research has released a demo of a group of meeting participants moving from an online chat conference to a virtual world 3D interface for collaboration.

The idea isn’t new reference Islab  Tixeo and I-maginer but this is huge step forward to bring these tools into the mainstream.  Other corporates such as Sun have a Project Wonderland to perform similar collaboration functions but IBM’s partnership with Linden Labs and continuing work with OpenSim probably give them an edge in terms of delivering Enterprise solutions (I am happy to be corrected here if you have a good arguement).  

Sidenote: I like the fact that I can download the code for Project Wonderlsand and have a play – I might see if I can schedule some time to do that…does it work on Debian?

Here is a video from Youtube showing Lotus Sametime and Virtual Worlds integration – v cool.

The challenges for corporates it that it opens a whole new experience for employees, customers and partners.  With this new experience a set of guidelines needs to be created to guide new users.  A sample of some virtual world guidelines can be found here.  These are reminisant of the blogging guidelines. 

Many of the organisations I talk to are looking to deliver cultural change within their organisations and see Social Software (blogging, et al) as a way of doing this.  Employers and employees are just starting to come to terms with Instant messaging, project team rooms and document sharing, they struggle with the beenfits of  blogging and the value of virtual world or 3D collaboration is going to be a hard sell in the first instance.  However , slow uptake of new tools may create an opportunity for those forward thinking organisations.  Perhaps these organisations can gain competitive advantage?  Some of the high level benefits realised by employers and employees from Social Software and potentially 3D collaboration tools.

Employees are:

• more engaged with the company and its goals
• excited about the tools they have available to them which means they can do a better job (and be more satisfied)
• and maybe this will drive an increased level of flexibility ion the work force as these new ways of working change our expectations

There is a downside (of course) as there will be:

• those who do not want to give “it a go”
• those without the technical knowledge/trianing to be able to use these tools so the new tools create fear and therefore resistance within the workforce

Interesting challenges ahead for technologist, managers and employess – I am hugely excited about these developments and enjoy being a (small) part of it.  If you want to be part of IBM research’s Sametime and 3D internet pilot contact me with some details and I will pass on your request to the right person (Karen Keeter).