Audio conferencing ranks a close third, followed by Intranets. All but one company use video conferencing occasionally. Extranets and Net conferencing are gaining popularity. Additional communication tools used in industry include cell phones with internet access, voice mail, public folders on company main frames, electronic kiosks, and Palm Pilots with internet access. Because email is used for both internal and external communication, companies begin to feel a need for protocols and guidelines.
Some companies even have training sessions for writing email.
The table summarizes the observations of IAB members. As in the case of email, board members stressed that effective voice mail organizes the messages for the busy receiver, with the header and contact up front. Sarcasm is to be avoided. Because email and voice mail are asynchronous or one-way communication tools, efficiency in communicating information is highly valued. For global communication meetings, leaders should send hard copy ahead of time, in case the electronic connection breaks down and the meeting must be continued as an audio conference.