The next big upgrade to your corporate systems department may be something you will use but never see — "cloud computing," the next step in the evolution of SaaS technology. As with SaaS, cloud-computing customers tap into computing resources off-site and hosted by another company. The difference is scale. Cloud computing represents a "much larger-scale implementation," says Haluk Demirkan, professor of information systems at the W. P. Carey School of Business. "Now we’re talking about thousands of computers" linked together via the Internet or some other network, he explains.

Collaboration is not a new concept, and companies have no trouble imagining the gains to be had from collaborating within the firm, with suppliers and with customers: creativity, productivity, profits. The technology tools already exist to make it happen. But how do you get started? Three case studies from "Achieving Innovation through Collaboration," a symposium hosted by the W. P. Carey School’s Center for Advancing Business through Information Technology, highlight collaboration technologies that are transforming how individuals, organizations and industries operate.

Collaborative technology is continuing to evolve — fostering innovation, connecting experts and creating relationships, between companies and their customers. At the "Achieving Innovation through Collaboration" symposium, hosted by the Center for Advancing Business through Information Technology at the W. P. Carey School of Business, Knowledge@W. P. Carey talked to presenters about the most exciting developments on the horizon for collaboration.

Ruth McCartney’s first true exposure to the needs of fans came while growing up around the McCartney clan. Stepsister of Sir Paul McCartney of the Beatles, Ruth earned her pocket money as a child helping her mother sort through Paul’s fan mail. That experience grew into the idea behind McCartney’s business. She is the CEO and co-founder of McCartney Multimedia and iFanz.com, a company that helps clients track who and where their fans are, and what those fans want and need. McCartney recently spoke at the "Achieving Innovation through Collaboration" symposium hosted by the Center for Advancing Business through Information Technology at the W. P. Carey School of Business.

The expansive reach of collaborative technology can bring together expertise and expedite innovation. At the “Achieving Innovation through Collaboration” symposium, hosted by the Center for Advancing Business through Information Technology at the W. P. Carey School of Business, Knowledge@W. P. Carey caught up with the presenters for their insights on the impact of collaborative opportunities …