Before I start to discuss integrated platforms, some tools should first be introduced. One very simple tool which many people use on a regular basis is instant messaging.

Google Talk

Skype

Yahoo

Windows Live Messenger

These are common examples, but instant messaging services are integrated into Social Networking sites and online Conferencing systems. Open source solutions can provide this service on an organisation’s websites or over a local area network, localised to the domain.

They are very useful in an organisation for quick decisions between rooms or can be used to compliment other platforms for online collaboration, including real time production of documents and conferencing.

Instant messaging can be between two people or between multiple parties, for example when used in a thematic chat room. The above examples also provide services to send documents via the message window and offer audio conferencing too.