From the Editor’s Desk: Real-time on the network

IP-based telephony has made enhanced and integrated communications technologies a reality, but networks can get crowded and workplaces can get overly chatty.As a result, so-called "productivity tools" can result in slower network speeds and distracted workers. For example, instant messaging can have real business benefit, but can also make for an insecure, chaotic work environment.As well, video may be a killer app, but often IT managers aren't ready for it. Even that old workhorse e-mail can be a headache, especially if policies aren't in place that address both data management and legal issues. The good news is that, when approached properly, all of these technologies can result in faster, more efficient, and secure work environments.We begin this issue with an examination of the network's most demanding application: video. Are IT manages ready, and do they -and their bosses - know what the real costs will be? There are often hidden network requirements; the good news is that there are hidden productivity benefits, too. We take a closer look (see Business video goes primetime: are IT managers ready?).Then Telemanagement turns its attention to an often forgotten technology, one that we take for granted, but that still stresses networks and needs its own policy regimen. The simple e-mail is evolving, and can still cause headaches. Telemanagement helps out (Fighting back against e-mail's assault on the network).Many IT managers assume that computing systems will be used for their intended purpose, and are dismayed to find out that young workers show up expecting to use the corporate network as their own personal communications platform. The right approach is to accept these influences, and to manage them (Instant messaging: managing the inevitable).As well, document management has gone from an administrative task to a database-intensive technology used to share all manner of content in real time across multiple jurisdictions, at times in multiple languages. One vendor, Microsoft, dominates this sector with SharePoint, but there's more to the story (Learning to share - content management comes of age).Go ahead, enjoy the read - it's for work. You can close the IM client and dig in at your desk.

From the Editor’s Desk: Real-time on the network

News | September 26, 2008

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