There are generally 2 ways info, are obtain. One is top-down and the other is ad-hoc.
Top-down are what driven by management and is normally map to processes. Lotus comes to mind.
However, as companies try to be more responsive to customers problems/needs, it gives rise to the growth and demand of ad-hoc solutions.
This is where I am a strong supporter, ad-hoc collaborations. People comes together on an ad-hoc basis forming teams to help solve clients problems. Discussions are held, files are shared. Access to information is important when you are on the road, even when offline. Access to discussions, files shared, offline applications... and yet making it easy for the coworkers, partners, clients to come together for a common need.
Information is not just one way. The system needs to enable all parties to come together to work towards a win-win situation, easily and effectively. B.efficeint from neusteps.com comes to mind.