If meetings are difficult to convene, then asynchronous groupware really comes into its own. We have checklists that assess the potential of different types of groupware for different business needs, problems and work characteristics. We have questionnaires that identify culture and information styles, so that appropriate implementation plans are adopted. Using groupware is a social as much as a business activity. The effective use of groupware needs active participation from many different people.
Moderators have a key role to play.
We have guidelines for setting up and moderating effective computer conferences. As with most other IT projects, user involvement throughout will overcome many potential pitfalls. We have workshop processes that encourage such participation. The very nature of groupware encourages free flow of thinking and ideas, and does not constrain inputs to structured data-bases. This can lead to information growing like topsy turvey with no apparent structure.