Question

Come up with a prioritized list of architectural drivers for the Internet-based Collaborative Work Environment system

Answer 1

Internet-Based Collaboration Environments

• Virtual Meeting Systems
• Telepresence Technology
• Google Apps/Google Sites
• Microsoft SharePoint
• Lotus Notes

Here’s a to-do list to get started. If you follow these six steps, you should be led to investing in the correct collaboration software from your firm at a price you can afford, and within your risk tolerance.

1. What are the collaboration challenges facing the firm in terms of time and space?

• Same time/Same place = Face-to-face interactions
• Same time/Different place = Remote interactions
• Different time/Same place = Continuous task
• Different time/Different place = Communication + Coordination

2. Within each cell of the matrix where your firm faces challenges, exactly what kinds of solutions are available? Make a list of vendor products.

3. Analyze each of the products in terms of their cost and benefits to your firm. Be sure to include the costs of training in your cost estimates and the costs of involving the information systems department if needed.

4. Identify the risk to security and vulnerability involved with each of the products.

5. Seek help of potential users to identify implementation and training issues. Some of these tools are easier to use than others.

6. Make your selection of candidate tools, and invite the vendors to make presentations.