Many CIOs predict that real-time communication technologies, such as instant messaging, SharePoint , Chatter and Yammer will overtake classic email in the workplace in the next five years.
That's the conclusion of a Robert Half Technology survey of more than 1,400 CIOs at U.S. companies with more than 100 employees. The survey was released last month.
More than half (54%) of the CIOs polled said real-time workplace communication tools will surpass traditional email in popularity within five years. The prediction was a bit lukewarm, however: 13% of the respondents said real-time messages will be "much more popular" than email, while 41% said they'll be "somewhat more popular."
Robert Half Technology, an IT staffing firm, said a transition to real-time tools could yield workplace benefits, potentially making it easier to work as a team, solve problems, share ideas and manage documents.
"Employers are looking for the right people to deploy these tools in new ways to increase efficiency," said John Reed, executive director of Robert Half Technology, in a statement. "IT professionals should consider the importance of keeping current with real-time technologies in order to stay competitive in the job market."
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