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Office Automation And Group Collaboration Software

Office Automation and Group Collaboration Software
Office automation is the use of automated or electronic equipment for office operations, such as computers.   Office automation includes the hardware, software, and network applications used to enhance office work.  
My company uses office automation for word processing, spreadsheets, databases, desktop publisher, presentations, email, internet browser, and financial systems.   My company will purchase off-the-shelf software then upgrade to new version within 3-4 years.   There are times when the cost analysis will illustrate that the upgrade is not cost effective and produce greater results within our business.   When our current software is performing at a satisfactory level, there is no reason to upgrade to the new version.  
There are basically two options for acquiring office automation software:   off-the-shelf, pre-packaged, install it, and customize it to fit our needs or create an application from the ground up.
Advantages Disadvantages
Pre-packaged - Lower costs
- Quicker delivery time - Limited/No customization
Custom Built - Designed specifically                 for organization
- Grows with company - Higher costs
- Longer implementation

Group collaboration software is also known as ‘groupware.’   This allows teams to work on the same problem, sharing ideas and work through computers that are connected.   My company uses this software for communication, conferencing, and administrative functions.   For example, instant messaging, email, voice mail, faxing, web publishing, teleconferencing, videoconferencing, and project management tools.
Advantages Disadvantages
- Greater access to information
- Enable teams to work together - System failures = no productivity

Both automation and group collaboration are used throughout my company and have advantages and disadvantages.   No matter what, we conduct a decision analysis for whether to develop our own software or purchase a...