Here are some of the latest news or articles about virtual teams that we have come across.

What: CIO Whitepaper: Next-generation Collaboration (Novell sponsored IDG Research Report; registration required; also see PR Press Release). Report based on survey responses of 100 senior IT executives.
Bottom line: Though it is critical for individuals in their company to collaborate securely within and outside organizational boundaries, according to IT executives, majority of them don’t find their current collaboration tools to be effective. Most of the IT executives surveyed (52 percent) consider knowledge worker access to collaboration tools like wikis, blogs and online team workspaces as critical or highly important.

What: Times of India article about making cross-border teams work.
Post to which it is related: Implicit Communication and Culture: What it Means for Leading Virtual Teams, Overcoming Virtual Team Challenges: After Action Review, Culture Matters in Virtual Teams.
Bottom line: Global organizations can truly benefit from cross-border teams in the form of Global Business Teams (GBT). However, creating value using GBTs is a real challenge. The performance of any GBT is primarily a function of three key elements: the team charter, team composition, and team process.

What: CIO Article offering wisdom on implementing flexible work arrangements(including virtual teamwork) in an organization.
Post to which it is related: Virtual Teams – Beneficial or Detrimental?
Bottom line: This CIO used to be generally opposed to flexible work arrangements, but has changed his mind largely because of improvements in available technologies enabling these arrangements to be effective (other factors are also discussed). This article offers specific details regarding the implemention of policies that support efficiency without undermining performance and discusses common issues relating to infrastructure requirements. The author also describes the many available collaboration technologies, reviewing a number of specific applications. He shares what he believes to be some of the potential benefits of flexible work arrangements and the major factors that influenced success for his organization in implementing these arrangements.

What: ScienceDaily from 2/29/08 reports on the European development of a platform for students from all over the world to collaborate on educational projects.
Post to which it is related: The Future of Virtual Teams: Collaboration in 3D Web
Bottom line: Most collaboration technologies are built to work for commercial enterprises, but scientists in Europe have developed a platform for students that is designed to integrate elements of e-learning and social networking. Educators are increasingly focusing on the benefits of project-centered teaching and experiential learning. This platform not only incorporates those elements of learning, but also has the potential to connect students from around the world in educational virtual teams.