Enabling communication is a critical component for creating Web applications in which group members can interact with each other and keep up with changes to information through the use of alerts. The site collection features that are dependent on communications being properly set up include:

• Online presence to allow real-time messaging between group members.

• Alerts to notify group members when things have changed.

• Administrative messages related to requests for site access and other site administration issues.

• Discussion groups.

To make the most effective use of the communications features, planning should include understanding the software requirements. It should also include the privacy and security implications of enabling communication, particularly outside the corporate firewall.

Communications components