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By Judith Glaser
Organizations around the world are utilizing the Intranet to grow a community in virtual space, connecting employees at all levels through constant and ongoing conversation.
When it was first introduced in business, the Intranet was used as a great repository for information storing, for the company history, processes, and policies – even for the preservation of Intellectual Property. However, this has changed. Says Clow: “It has grown from a place of storing information, to sharing information and keeping all informed on new strategic directions -- ‘a one stop shop’ and 'online help desk' that provides employees with the answers to most of their common queries. It is interactive.”
Over the two years it’s been in place at New Wave, the Intranet has evolved to a very sophisticated, multifaceted system, including a shared client database and the integration of inventory, purchasing and workflows. Many elements of accounting and HR are handled through the system. Areas of the Intranet are opened to clients in order to share ideas and increase two-way feedback. “Every month a new aspect emerges.” Most recently there has been discussion of whether to incorporate forums/shared messaging into the system.
The Intranet as Community Builder
More than a system, we believe the Intranet acts as the most innovative community builder yet to come on the scene. It’s a community created in virtual space that has the power to connect employees at all levels, in constant and ongoing communication about the things that hold this community together. And it is not just New Wave who is benefiting. Organizations around the world are realizing its power.
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