The Virtual Team concept developed from recent advances in technology, the internet and telecommunications, which allowed for advances in business practises and brought about Virtual models. The concept addresses problems of global competition and excessive travel expenses. Growth in the concept has been encouraged by Policy & Planning Guidance (used by councils to grant permission for new developments) which means that a business is more likely to find a location if it adopts these concepts.

Ad Finem exploit other benefits of the concept; collaboration of specialist skills and minimising the cost of operating projects. A large network of associates and professional developers allows us to quickly form a skilled team perfectly designed to undertake the project in hand. Cost is minimised as the company does not need to permanently employ the professionals.

The primary worry of using the Virtual Team concept is quality:

• The team is managed centrally from the London office using Virtual Team Collaboration technology (other systems are utilised such as the renowned Mantis for bug tracking)
• Team membership is relatively stable, with teams being frequently re-established for subsequent projects
• Crucial aspects of the project are often developed with members of the team working from the London office in a regular fashion
• A balance of dealing with factual content, relationships and the coordination of the central process is established. Social aspects such as a shared social context, a feeling of trust and a human interest in each other need are balanced against the more process orientated aspects such as the planning of work and the scheduling of activities to maximise the overall performance of the group.
• Post project support, maintenance, and further development is executed by Ad Finem’s six strong team of developers. The Virtual Teams concept allows the company to extend our skills to large involved projects.