Groove Networks, an internationally acclaimed software solution that allows people working anywhere in the world to collaborate seamlessly on projects, documents and designs, has been launched in SA by SCS (Safmarine Computer Services).
Commenting on the launch, Kevin Simpson, SCS's Divisional Director for Marketing, said Groove enjoys fierce loyalty among users in a variety of industry sectors around the world, but has until now been unavailable locally.
"Groove enhances the power of teamwork by effectively removing distance and barriers between systems. Those who've tapped into any portion of its potential build their businesses around it and swear by it."
Groove enables people on opposite ends of a building - or the world - to work on the same designs, budgets and projects, while allowing a project manager to retain final oversight, explained Simpson. "One user described Groove as the most powerful IT weapon available today in terms of improving efficiency and reducing costs and project running time. Cost savings can be as much as 60% where extensive collaboration is involved."
While Groove is suited to SMMEs and project work, it's already proved its scalability through immensely successful implementation by Siemens Medical Solutions, which employs 31 000 people in more than 120 countries. In 2003 it had EUR7.8 billion in orders and EUR1.1 billion in profit.
Simpson says the success of the Siemens case study shows just how scaleable and flexible Groove is. While each project is unique, the Siemens case study is instructive because it featured an array of teams using disconnected business systems and parties such as shippers, installers, electricians and carpenters.
All those involved had information the other parties needed, but it was "locked" in everything from spreadsheets to notes made during telephone calls. What was needed was a collaboration solution that supports ad hoc project activity, but seamlessly incorporates processes and data. Groove enabled the creation of a mobile, shared digital workspace for logistics documentation, schedules and project tasks. Additionally, there was access to all the team members and automatic synchronisation and updating of content changes across PCs, applications and systems such as Siebel, SAP, OSIRIS and all Microsoft products. Presence awareness and instant messaging nurtured communication and reduced reliance on phone, e-mail and fax.
Groove also provides a space for drawing up plans and blueprints, which can be accessed by other project collaborators, on- or offline. Data mining becomes a routine, not a hypothesis. Groove ensures that data need only be input once, even by mobile users and Groove creates a portal for people to view data without needing all the software everyone else has.
Lastly and perhaps most importantly, it has a supple, familiar feel to it, with features where you'd expect to find them, says Simpson.
Share
Editorial contacts