The Business Case For ELearning [Electronic resources] نسخه متنی

Functional Integration

In most organizations, voice, video, and data systems are managed by separate organizations. Most likely, a telecom department addresses voice needs, a production or media department deals with video needs, and an information technology unit manages all the data systems. Deployment of an integrated IP network allows an organization to deliver its video, voice, and data over a single platform. Although such migration is likely to facilitate functional integration alone, a successful e-communication effort does not depend on functional integration. For an e-communication effort to succeed, user needs should be championed by those responsible for learning and business objectives, while those responsible for technology should address those learning and business needs with viable technology solutions.

Partner E-Learning Connection (PEC), discussed in Chapter 8, "Productivity in the Extended Enterprise: Internet Learning Offers a Competitive Edge with Channel Partners," is an example of how the needs of the Cisco reseller base drove the development of an online learning portal. Although the development and maintenance of the portal involves significant participation from the IT team within Cisco, the Worldwide Channels organization inside of Cisco champions learner needs through content leadership.