Software, and more specifically, cloud-based applications, now support teams that span multiple locations, communications channels, and access devices. Real-time information from both outside and inside the organization, needs to be combined into a single, dynamic workspace to enable workers to make informed decisions. More integrated, collaborative tools are required to make sure that all employees, customers and suppliers are aware of ongoing projects.
“According to an IDC study “The Intelligent Workspace“, the average worker spends 13 hours per week reading and answering emails, 8.8 hours searching for information, and 6.4 hours communicating & collaborating with team members”
As the nature of business evolves, the computing environment for information work will change profoundly. Intelligent workspaces is a new approach to creating a unified environment for today’s collaborative, information-intensive businesses. These task-centered, process-based applications combine a single easy-to-use work environment that are designed to streamline a business process. These applications simplify the learning curve, making it easier for information workers to “just get their work done.” They inevitably will improve coordination among customers, vendors and partners. Collaborative capabilities must facilitate collaboration and increase transparency across the appropriate internal and external staff. The intelligent workspace represents the intersection of people, process, and information aimed at supporting information work and making workers more productive. This new generation of business applications that derives insights and connections from social and collaborative networks will give business users and decision makers a more comprehensive view of their organizations, which will eliminate some of the risks inherent in traditional silo views. As organizations either expand globally, such knowledge as how to solve problems, handle exceptions to normal processes and address local market conditions often resides in separated, often unconnected repositories. Applying social business strategies within the organization and its value chain can play an important role in increasing transparency and knowledge share.