Pilgrim Talks: Kelly O’Connell and Carlos Pena

Kelly O'Connell Metro Market Manager for Robert Half Technology

YOU'VE GOT (LESS) MAIL CIOs Surveyed Say Workplace Communication Will Favor Real-Time Tools Email may soon become the new snail mail, a new Robert Half Technology survey suggests. More than half (54 percent) of chief information officers (CIOs) interviewed recently said real-time workplace communication tools will surpass traditional email in popularity within the next five years. The survey was developed by Robert Half Technology, a leading provider of information technology (IT) professionals on a project and full-time basis. It was conducted by an independent research firm and is based on telephone interviews with more than 1,400 CIOs from companies across the United States with 100 or more employees. CIOs were asked, "In the next five years, do you think real-time workplace communication tools - for example, Instant Messaging, SharePoint, Yammer, etc. - will be more or less popular than email among employees?" Their responses: Much more popular................ 13% Somewhat more popular....... 41% The same................................. 38% Somewhat less popular........... 5% Much less popular..................... 2% Don't know/ no answer............. 1%

Robert Half Technology outlines three benefits a transition to real-time tools could have on the workplace:

1. Speed. Instant messaging (IM) allows employees to have conversations at the click of a button, without opening emails or waiting for responses. IM also enables employees in different locations to have real-time conversations, thus resolving issues more quickly.
2. Convenience. Many programs include a host of features like IM, microblogging, forums, and document collaboration and management. This eliminates the need to switch between separate programs to communicate. Not only does this have the potential to improve efficiency, but it can increase collaboration on projects and reduce the need for meetings.
3. The social aspect. Enterprise social networking sites, such as Yammer or Chatter, are useful for collaboration and sharing ideas and best practices within the company. This technology also has the potential to foster teamwork and camaraderie among employees.

"Although email remains an important communication tool, the increased use of real-time technologies affects the IT environment," said John Reed, executive director of Robert Half Technology. "Employers are looking for the right people to deploy these tools in new ways to increase efficiency. IT professionals should consider the importance of keeping current with real-time technologies in order to stay competitive in the job market." About the Survey The national survey was developed by Robert Half Technology, a leading provider of IT professionals on a project and full-time basis, and conducted by an independent research firm. The survey is based on more than 1,400 telephone interviews with CIOs from a random sample of U.S. companies with 100 or more employees. In order for the survey to be statistically representative, the sample was stratified by geographic region, industry and number of employees. The results were then weighted to reflect the proper proportions of the number of employees within each region. About Robert Half Technology With more than 100 locations worldwide, Robert Half Technology is a leading provider of technology professionals for initiatives ranging from web development and multiplatform systems to network security and technical support. Robert Half Technology offers online job search services at www.rht.com. Follow Robert Half Technology on Twitter at twitter.com/RobertHalfTech. Carlos Pena Publisher of CAYPEN Magazine Jim Casparie CEO of The Venture Alliance CAYPEN's founding vision was to provide an innovatively inclusive and democratically dynamic stage for entrepreneurs and innovators of all kinds-with absolutely no barriers to participation.  In the CAYPEN community, everyone can take the stage and help shape its evolution, from novice entrepreneurs to veteran innovators, from dealmakers to incubators, from nonprofit leaders to creative transformers.  As the next exciting evolution of our vision, CAYPEN is planting the SEED for entrepreneurial success by breaking down the barriers, optimizing opportunities, transcending the conventional wisdom, and eliminating the hit-or-miss approach of relying on chance.

The SEED for success is to: Streamline The Process from Idea To Action To Funding Through Expert Relationships Equalize The Playing Field Through Merit-Based, Investment Grade Standards Evangelize Best-In-Class Companies & Social Enterprises Across Industries Democratize Content-Driven Collaboration Through Powerful Interactive Platforms The many barriers to innovation can be financial, technological, socioeconomic, political, or geographic.  They are often institutional as well, from the "good old boys" network to the defeatist cult of "can't."  But amazingly, entrepreneurs simply find ways to get it done and break down the barriers.  Just as crucially, entrepreneurs consistently find ways to optimize opportunities and seize the moment.  Few entrepreneurs have ever said they couldn't use a helping hand on the way, along with a bigger and better stage to proclaim their vision.  The evolving CAYPEN vision is a helping hand connecting entrepreneurs with trusted expertise and resources, on an open stage designed for collaboration without barriers, where ANYONE can "make it on merit." To learn more about CAYPEN Magazine, go to caypenmag.com.