The Changing Nature of “Workspace” and “Workplace:” What It Means for SMEs

Abstract

As the virtual pipelines are laid to extend the reach of broadband connectivity to remote locations and to increase capacity on already available locations, connectivity and availability with those previously unreachable is increasing as well. The connectivity barriers are constantly being reduced as the broadband reach extends. The breakdown of connectivity barriers causes a dramatic change in the ``work-space'' and ``work-place.'' In an information age, where the work output is mostly digital and easily transmitted in the broadband medium, the pressing need for physical interaction in the workplace is diminishing. Add to that the growing technology that digitizes the human senses (auditory and visual), virtual communication methods allow for increased remote interaction. In this chapter, we discuss the evolving nature of the ``work-space'' and ``work-place.'' In the past few years, the digitization of work along with the increasingly expanding and accelerating rate of connectivity resulted in the evolution (or revolution) currently underway.