Online content provider I-Net Bridge has introduced a monthly forum to help companies get the best out of their intranet service.
Intraforum will operate as an independent platform including regular meetings in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Companies will be able to share their experiences and discuss the challenges they have faced in developing and installing intranets.
"Large companies use intranets as the primary way for employees to obtain and share work-related documents, share knowledge, collaborate on designs, access e-learning and learn about the company`s news," says Chris Lazarus, business manager at I-Net Bridge.
Lazarus says companies have begun to realise the value of corporate intranets as a business tool. "They recognise the importance of information distribution and the benefit of increased productivity. But managing an intranet effectively presents new challenges for every business."
He says intranets are technically easy to put in place, but companies run the risk of placing brochure-like information onto intranets without discipline or organisation, resulting in users not being able to find what they are looking for.
Through platforms like Intraforum, I-Net Bridge aims to boost effective intranet use.
Darrell Vian, enterprise portal manager at British American Tobacco South Africa, and a former Intraforum speaker, applauds the initiative.
He says the informal environment of the forum allows for the establishment of good networking opportunities, which is often followed up with an in-depth cross-company knowledge-sharing session.
"It is enlightening to see how companies share their achievements, mistakes and lessons learnt in an open and collaborative environment," Vian adds.
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