Generating value with Internet technology is still the subject of much discussion. Perhaps even more discussion than ever before as we've seen companies which seemingly lacked any plan for generating value fall into oblivion.

At one time, the value of new software systems was calculated on the basis of full-time employees that could be eliminated. One weakness of this approach is that following a strict policy of replacing people with software overlooks the possibility that said new software/technology might just open the door to doing things different/better/beyond what's been done before.

All too often, the bottom-line benefits of automation come at the expense of missed top-line opportunities based on new services, new partners and new markets. Innovation and differentiation are the output of a creative, empowered workforce, not commodity laborers employed because their jobs have not yet been streamlined away.

The Web's revolutionary potential lies in its interactivity. The Web is a conversation. And a community. How can we use this in our organizations? What gains can we make? The Internet is at its best, and its potential may just be the greatest, when it's facilitating creative dialogue between individuals.

As an organization one way to 'harness' this potential is to recognize that self-organizing, unmediated communities with at least a minimum level of activity are by definition creative and self-motivated. Your challenge is to find a way to harvest this creative energy toward the goal of making your organization's products and services compellingly unique.
...from Community Building as a Core Value in Intranet Journal