ABSTRACT
This chapter describes some of the main classes of virtual teams information and communications technology (ICT), and identifies some of their advantages and disadvantages. Functionality is the capability of the ICT system and its interfaces—in other words, what it can deliver. Social presence describes the extent to which a technology helps people feel a personal connection with others in the team. Project life refers to the influence on technology choice of the period of time for which the technology is going to be required. Salience is the meaning of the message or interaction that may be implied by the technology—especially the user's perceptions of this. Company culture has implications for the organizational readiness to implement different ICT to support virtual teams. Compatibility with technical infrastructure is vital. Resources available are a more prosaic criterion for the selection of technologies, particularly the company's in-house ICT resource and capability. Security is a need with all ICT.
