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.
[...] The business logic that implement mission critical business functions is locked into legacy ERP and LOB systems and other supporting systems and workflows. This is where Service Oriented Architecture provides an important foundation for the NGE. BPM also adds to the flexibility required to quickly adapt the business processes. Going back to the “Global Company” case study. The globally distributed R&D group needed to collaborate more and expand their participation to multiple projects at the same time across the globe. The tools that the R&D used were commercial off the shelf (COTS) tools focused in Mechanical Engineering and electrical systems design. The new collaboration platform needed to seamlessly integrate the work products and plans produced by the use of the Design Software to a globally available document storage for continued collaboration on the plans and designs. The intention was to provide ways to capture relevant information as it concerns the product being designed. All other departments would have the opportunity to collectively participate throughout the product development process, from inception to delivery. ”Global Company” wanted to identify the changes that needed to be made to the operating model and business processes in place to support the development and release of the new products, and the awareness of the new products throughout the organization will provide multiple points of view on what needs to change internally as the product is being designed and developed. Eventually the product design had to be broken-down to components that could be sourced to partners and suppliers, but the overall process will continue to be centrally managed in their existing ERP platform. They also needed to collaborate with their partners during the development of the product. This is a good example of what I mean by an integrated collaborative platform. [...]