Groupware
Efforts are continually made to manage the unavoidable ad
hoc business process, but ad hoc processes do not necessarily mean a pile of messy,
shuffled documents, at least not anymore. Groupware is software which tracks and manages
the ad hoc business collaboration.
Look at the search engines to see just how many solutions
similar to groupware are available to help businesses organize collaboration efforts. In
most cases, collaboration and document tracking software are built around organized and
established drafting processes. They enable filing and tracking of collaborative efforts
in a structured collaboration environment.
Ad Hoc Business
The reality is that the collaborative environment cannot
always be structured. Flexibility is a necessity and ad hoc is a reality. Often,
collaboration has to take place very quickly to meet deadlines. When that happens, what is
left is a scattered set of emails, drafts, Word and Excel documents, and other changes
saved in multiple locations. Groupware is software that manages ad hoc collaboration while
working the way businesses do.
Simple Installation
Businesses are budget-sensitive when it comes to new
technologies. Often new technologies require an expensive IT infrastructure with an
installation fee and service fees. Groupware provides simple software installation that
eliminates those costs and saves time.
Accessibility
Business concerns about new technologies are valid,
especially regarding questions of accessibility. For example, installing or downloading
new software within a company network is cost-efficient and beneficial to the entire
company. But, because companies are not a self-sustaining entity, they need to know if new
software will also benefit clients and investors.
Groupware is software that works with any person or company
with which your business works. Clients, partners, and other businesses may not yet have
the same groupware, but once the technology is adopted by your company, it works for them
too.
Familiarity
Another concern businesses may have in incorporating new
technology is whether or not the new technology is compatible with current technology.
Businesses do not need to worry about interfacing or learning new technology. Groupware
utilizes technology with which businesses are already familiar. Microsoft applications
such as Word, Excel, and Outlook are applications through which the technology works.
Technology
Groupware utilizes a variety of technologies which enable
effective tracking and managing of ad hoc documents. Digital Thread technology tags the
meta data of an electronic document, tracking the who, what, when, where, and how of any
changes made in the text or the location of the document. This tracking takes place over
email and hard drives, stringing together all of the document drafts.
Digital Signature displays the tracking information in a
signature at the bottom of each email. Version History ties it all together by displaying
a flowchart of the various document versions. Groupware tracks and manages all document
versions, no matter how much of a hurry you are in during collaboration.
When searching for the document management and
collaboration technology for your business, remember that document management will most
often require tracking ad hoc processes of fast-paced business. Groupware solutions work
the way your business works. |
