Iknow - Collaboration

One of Iknow's core strengths is collaboration and groupware. Collaboration can be broadly defined as two or more people working together to solve a particular problem or to achieve a common objective. Groupware is a category of software that allows people who are geographically separate to work together in a virtual collaborative environment.

Groupware is either an application suite or an integrated set of separate applications. At the heart of most groupware suites is an email-based messaging system used to notify team members, send alerts, and obtain responses. Other common functionality includes document sharing and document management, group calendaring and scheduling, instant messaging, shared whiteboarding, group contact information, project and task management, bulletin boards, threaded news and discussion groups, text chat, data sharing, audio and videoconferencing, and other knowledge management, document management, and decision support functionality. Workflow, which allows messages and documents to be routed to the appropriate users, is also sometimes included in a groupware suite.

Iknow has deep expertise in managing all phases of collaboration and groupware projects, from initial requirements gathering through system design, customization, and deployment. We have addressed and solved a variety of collaboration and groupware-related issues, including identifying business needs of product teams, project teams, and functional groups; prioritizing desired software functionality; conducting software product assessments; implementing access control and identity management; and resolving security issues.

While groupware is an evolving concept, we are convinced that groupware can be implemented to provide a much more productive way of working together, sharing ideas, and resolving work-related problems than simply using email alone. Virtual collaborative environments increase productivity, shorten process cycle times, and reduce travel and meeting costs. Additionally, if the knowledge of a team or group is made available to others, then the organization also benefits from content reuse and the sharing of best practices and lessons learned.

Technologies

Iknow's client assignments typically involve the selection, deployment, and customization of one or more software products as well as data and application integration. Iknow works with and understands many of the leading collaboration and groupware software products, including:

Centra (http://www.centra.com) Centra 7
Communispace (http://www.communispace.com) Communispace
CYA Technologies (http://www.cya.com) Secure Collaboration Platform
eRoom/Documentum (http://www.documentum.com/eroom) eRoom
eZmeeting (http://www.ezmeeting.com) eZ
Genesys Conferencing (http://www.genesys.com) Genesys Meeting Center
Groove Networks, Inc. (http://www.groove.net) Groove
Hummingbird, Ltd. (http://www.hummingbird.com) Hummingbird Enterprise Collaboration
IBM (http://www-306.ibm.com/software/lotus/) IBM Lotus Workplace
Microsoft (http://www.microsoft.com) Exchange Server; NetMeeting; Microsoft Office Live Meeting
SiteScape, Inc. (http://www.sitescape.com) SiteScape Enterprise Forum
Stellent, Inc. (http://www.stellent.com) Stellent Collaboration Management
WebEx Communications (http://www.webex.com) WebEx

Our consulting recommendations are always unbiased and independent, and we work jointly with our clients to reach and agree on the best technical direction for moving forward. Iknow is not a distributor or reseller of software or hardware products, so our technology recommendations will never be influenced by sales commissions or other incentives from software or hardware vendors.

Why do companies rely on Iknow's consulting advice?

Companies choose Iknow to help them with their collaboration and groupware challenges because Iknow has:

Deep expertise in collaboration and groupware software and systems, as well as a solid understanding of the entire spectrum of KM, collaboration, and related information management software and technologies;
Exceptional business management consulting skills, including strong analytical, process design, and organizational change management capabilities;
Knowledge of most industry verticals, business processes, and business functions; and
An extensive project portfolio demonstrating experience in delivering complete end-to-end KM solutions.

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