The MAIN+ method for collaboration digitalization[La méthode MAIN+ pour la digitalisation de la collaboration]

Many aspects of society in general and business in particular are increasingly becoming digitalized (virtualized) as large numbers of processes that historically required participant collocation are now executed across time and space. This phenomenon of process virtualization is becoming increasingly important and scholars have begun study it in earnest from multiple perspectives. One critical aspect for businesses is digitalization (virtualization) of collaboration processes as virtual teams become more prevalent. This paper presents the concept of Process Virtualization Modeling (PVM) by presenting a Design Science approach for collaboration called Method to Analyze of INteractions Plus (MAIN+) that focuses on the practical aspects through which collaboration digitalization takes place and reports on a ten year study on collaboration process virtualization and tool selection. This PVM approach was iteratively developed, evaluated and refined based on results from a series of lab and field studies. The method facilitates virtual team selection of the most appropriate portfolio of information systems capabilities to allow them to effectively support key tasks both in collocated and distributed collaborative situations whatever the form of collaboration. The paper presents several useful artifacts that provide practical contributions for business and directions for future research.