Companies

Virtual Teams can be utilized in almost any line of work, but the most common Virtual Teams out there are in the fields of Technology (IT, programming, etc), Sales, and Marketing.

Some companies that are currently utilizing Virtual Teams are:

Getronics: "a $4 billion Information Technology (IT) service and solution integration company. We are a global company with over 29,000 people working in more than 30 countries. We have the highest client retention rate in the industry. Our international coverage extends to 120 countries through a network of service partners. Of our top fifty accounts, we serve 27 on an international basis and over 50% of our top 200 clients are multinational." Click here to see a current job opening from this company.

CTG: "For over 39 years, CTG has delivered information technology staffing and solutions and application management outsourcing to a long list of satisfied customers that includes many of the Global 2000." Click here to see a current job opening from this company.

Alliancenet: "Founded in 1993, the Alliance Network has established itself as a national leader recruiting and placing technical talent in the following disciplines: Sales / Sales Management (Direct, Channel, Business Development, Pre- and Post-Sales); Executive Management (CTO, CIO, MIS Director); Technical / Application Consultants; Software Developers." Click here to see a current job opening from this company.

Personal Experience

There is no better resource for employers or employees who are looking to utilize Virtual Teams than personal experience and we were lucky enough to be able to interview someone who has been working with Virtual Team's for the last several years. Steven Misenheimer is a student enrolled in Mt Hood Community College's prestigious Computer Applications Specialist program and he offers several real world insights into the inner working of Virtual Teams. You can find the interview with Steve here.

Types of Projects

The types of projects that one might work on as part of a Virtual Team typically mirror that which you would find in the real world: Developing a website (such as this one), authoring a piece of software, supporting IT networks, developing a marketing strategy, developing an advertising campaign, etc.

Project Duration

Virtual Team projects can be short term (several months) or long term (several years). Some positions will be full-time “payroll” jobs but most positions you will find will be independent contractor jobs. This gives the employee increased flexibility and the ability to pick and choose as he or she sees fit. This also provides the employer with considerable cost savings as they do not have to pay for office space, supplies, and most importantly benefits.

Data on Success

There is not much data on the success/failure of specific Virtual Team projects available on the internet. There are, however, several studies/papers published on how to ensure success with Virtual Team projects, which can be found here:

"Five Challenges to Virtual Team Success: Lessons from Sabre, Inc."

"Virtual Team Success without Adding Technology"

"Team-building key for virtual workplace"

"Bioteaming: A Manifesto For Networked Business Teams">

It seems that the most important factor influencing the success (or lack thereof) of Virtual Team projects is communication. Having clear, open, and timely communication can make or break a team. Another factor that some analysts have cautioned about out is the over-reliance on technology. It is important to not try to fix problems with a Virtual Team by throwing more technology at it.