Every toolset evolves. Archaeological evidence validates the historic progression of and improvements in prehistoric hunting tools over hundreds and thousands of years. Metal ore and heat were combined in ways that gave tools the ability to withstand chipping, breaking or other types of damage. Over time, toolmakers engaged in problem definition, tool creation and improvement. Evolution is a constant.
There is a parallel with communication tools used in enterprises today. As work group managers, we are constantly seeking ways to overcome communication, workflow and process problems. Once we identify a problem we run to the IT staff — the “tools craftsman” of today — to help us solve it. We explain, “I need this data in [...]

The single best collaboration tool for developers? Unix screen. Try asking which screen at your Linux or Mac OS X commandline and you’re almost sure to find the utility preinstalled. Then check out the article by Phil Hollenbeck at linux.com or the post by Ayman Hourieh to get started.
UNIX hacks know screen as the program that keeps your ssh session logged in on a box even if you disconnect at the office, drive home, and reconnect. What’s less widely known are the magic :multiuser on and - S options that turn screen into the perfect extreme programming tool. Start screen the right way at your offices in Austin and then your buddies in Dallas, Phoenix [...]