Virtual Technologies Taking Hold

Posted on November 4, 2008 at 5:02 pm by Steven

Modern technologies are offering people flexible working opportunities via virtual offices, hot desking and mobile work practices.  Time and place is no longer an issue and the boundaries of a nine to five working day have been eroded.  Email offers fast and efficient communication unconstrained by time whilst video conferencing packages are opening up the world to us allowing face-to-face meetings between offices based in different countries.

As with all technologies it takes time before they are fully embraced and their value recognized.  The internet for example took ten years to evolve into an everyday office tool.  The internet has progressed from an excellent information and research resource.  It is now the hub of our communication processes and is allowing people to connect with each other faster.

Instant access messaging is becoming widespread in offices and more are setting down new policies to direct people to take advantage of the cost efficiencies afforded by phone calls using internet applications rather than using the standard telephone line.

Skype is becoming one of the most widely used VOIP applications and its usage increased by a staggering 181% in 2007.  Many of the businesses are small and use this package to communicate with suppliers and colleagues rather than holding face-to-face meetings.