This IDC Technology Spotlight paper takes a look at why Email remains the primary mode of communication in business today. While there is prevalent speculation that social software and other real-time communications applications will replace email, email nevertheless remains a stalwart in business operations. In addition, as relationships across all business communication channels continue to be redefined, innovative modes and methods of communication are emerging. As a result, locating the right data and information at the right time — while still critical — becomes increasingly complex. IDC expects that organizations will use social software, such as Notes and Domino 9x Social Edition, to complement existing tools and address these business needs for the foreseeable future.