However, these products also come with the downsides of enterprise software--longer and more costly deployment than software as a service, and longer lag between upgrades. Enterprises are unlikely to dip their toes into collaboration through a six-figure software deployment. It's not uncommon to find companies using SharePoint and third-party SaaS products.
"It's a classic story of enterprise 2.0," says Goodwin Procter's Cornelius. "We're up and running with PBwiki in 30 seconds, and SharePoint is taking a year." Fact is, users will find ways to make their working lives more convenient--with or without the input of IT. This is particularly true when it comes to Web collaboration tools.
"The challenge is to stay ahead of the curve of providing tools for employees so they don't feel compelled to find others," says Skanska's Emerick. Because once data strays outside your borders, herding it back in is a job we wouldn't wish on anyone.
Photo illustration by Mick Coulas
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