Web 2.0 is a good proposition for changing the way knowledge workers collaborate. But in order for this to happen Web 2.0 tools must be seamlessly integrated to existing productivity toolsets and furthermore to Enterprise Systems.
The challenges Web 2.0 bring are related the lack of integration to existing tools and systems used in a daily basis in the enterprise. I recently started a collaboration topic with my coworkers at BSG. We started a discussion on what our Wiki platform really needs to be a more robust solution and our collaboration needs. We touched on very specific features, technologies, approaches and even support requirements. What was obvious during this discussion is that a Wiki is a good collaboration platform but is not complete. A Wiki is part of a much bigger integrated collaboration solution. If we want it to change the way we work in the Enterprise we must find ways to better integrate it to existing systems.
In the Enterprise we find ERP systems, custom developed systems, messaging systems and hundreds of little silos of information in the form of documents, spreadsheets, and departmental applications. My opinion is that a collaboration platform will provide advantages to the enterprise if we can use it seamlessly to bring the business processes, decision making information and collective knowledge together in an easy to use well integrated platform.
In our internal discussion I started a wish list for a collaboration platform and curiously enough I mentioned that I would like to post to my blog using whatever productivity tool (read as Word Processor). In my case I am using MS Word 2007 and recently discovered that I can create a new Blog Post in addition to editing, reviewing, check spelling and doing everything else that I am familiar with on the Word platform. Most important at the end I can just push the button and publish the entry. As a matter of fact I am creating this blog entry using MS Word 2007. I did not have to spend time learning to use the awkward blog entry editors or get frustrated with the “back” button on the browser and losing all my content. This is a good example on how an integrated collaboration platform can really make a difference. We should be able to leverage what we know how to use in order to make it easier to participate in this new paradigm of collaboration.
In the near future I will explore other Web 2.0 paradigms, technologies and how I envision a well integrated collaborative platform that invovles Web 2.0 and Enterprise Systems.
Hi Tony,
Glad to see you blogging! I use Ecto to publish my posts … though many editors will do. I’m also experimenting with TextMate … I’m a hard core Mac addict! We have a way to go with e2.0, but feel we’re on to a good start. Enjoy the journey!
^ brian
I try to be as technology agnostic as I can, but for the most part I end up using Microsoft based productivity software because it is available on the laptops provided by my employers and it is widely used and accepted in the enterprise.
I also have to admit that I like the Mac, I used them extensivily during my college years along with the NeXT pizza boxes. I own one of the first eMacs. I will sell it in eBay and get me a newer one.
My wife talked me into getting the eMac, she also used them extensively in the past.