BT connects teams in global development centers : Organizational environment overhauled to facilitate agile working

Purpose – This paper aims to describe how BT Innovate & Design (BTID), the company responsible for building all the systems and networks used by BT, has overhauled its working environment to facilitate global and agile working. Design/methodology/approach – The paper explains that, with teams in the UK, India, China, the USA and central Europe, BTID embarked on a global development center (GDC) program that would enable employees, wherever they are in the world, to work collaboratively on shared documents and programs. Findings – The paper details the technology at the heart of the new way of working and in particular the use of SMART Board white‐board interactive systems, which combine the simplicity of a white board with the power of a computer. Practical implications – The paper reveals that BTID has plans for a network of five global development centers worldwide, all adopting the same blueprint and specifically designed to accelerate and improve the quality of development. Social implications – The paper reveals that the new technology has cut the need for international travel and so has reduced the company's carbon footprint. Originality/value – The paper highlights technology that could help to develop teamwork in other companies with global operations.