Electronic technology and high-speed communications are no longer simply aids to collaborative working. In this information era, information that is speedy, accurate and in a form that enables people to make decisions and work productively together across geographical distances is the key to cost-effective efficient collaboration. This paper looks at how Advanced Communication Technologies are revolutionaizing the way collaborative teams can work together. It represents great opportunities for collaboration in the fields of research, commerce and education. In particular, the paper discusses how electronic collaboration is becoming an essential component of business and university life, and how Internet technology is being recognized as a powerful new means to improve the productivity of working groups. High-speed communication networks are a powerful tool for promoting successful international partnerships. Using high-speed bandwidth to communicate, collaborative research and development work can be progressed efficiently (without waiting until the next scheduled meeting). This paper illustrates how the authors have gained advantage by exploiting current technology to form successful partnerships in this new, high-speed information age. (Contains 20 references.) (Author)