Knowledge management in the age of cloud computing and Web 2.0: Experiencing the power of disruptive innovations

Organizations, of all types, live in an increasingly dynamic world. Much of this dynamism is generated by developments or innovations in technology, especially information and communication technology (ICT). Some organizations take advantage of this dynamism and create new products and business models and thrive. Others ignore it or take a long time trying to adapt to it and struggle, often with negative consequences. Some of these innovations, to use the terminology of Christensen, are of a “disruptive” nature such as the telephone, the Web and recently cloud computing. This paper explores the innovation phenomenon of cloud computing and Web 2.0 and specifically examines their impact on organizational knowledge. ⺠Cloud computing and Web 2.0 technologies are having a disruptive impact on many aspects of organizations’ lives. ⺠One of those aspects is in the area of knowledge management (KM), traditionally reserved for well-endowed organizations. ⺠Cloud computing and Web 2.0 technologies are proving to be empowering agents for the implementation of KM projects.