Collaboration Websites

 Overview

Collaboration allows many users to share a common web space from anywhere in the world through a secure facility. Users can share files and send internal emails, even when they are away from the office or working from multiple locations. This is ideal for use as a company intranet, but without the need to install and maintain your own servers, and for projects where information is shared between team members, the client and subcontractors. Up to 50 users can simultaneously use your collaboration website and administrative controls allow users to be allocated to workgroups, with access rights providing close control over the documents they can read and change.

 How Does It Work?

We use Microsoft Sharepoint which provides the functionality behind our collaboration websites, and you are provided with 500MB of server space for your exclusive use. Administrator functions allow users to be added, workgroups configured and access rights assigned, so you can control who can read and edit individual documents. Each workgroup is granted access to selected folders so sensitive data is protected from those that shouldn‘t see it.

Each user is supplied with a dedicated email address and can send emails internally to other team members or externally. Each user can access their emails from any internet connected computer anywhere in the world so they can always keep in touch.

Project and team administration facilities mean that you can assign tasks to individuals and you can set up meetings with automatic notification sent to the participants. Common files, such as the minutes, can be uploaded centrally and attendees notified via internal email as soon as they have been posted.

What are the Advantages?

Apart from the fact that your data is accessible from anywhere in the world at any time of day or night, there are many advantages for using Collaboration Websites. To help you see the benefits we have listed some of those advantages below.

Up to 50 Users. With a massive 50 user limit these sites are effectively your own intranet but with global access, plus there‘s no hardware for you to maintain.

Reliable Document Control. Because all team members use the same documents you can be sure that they are using the latest information.

Instant Access To Changes. New and modified documents are available as soon as they are posted so other team members are always kept up to date. By using the internal email, other users are kept informed of new or modified material straight away.

Easy Notification Of Meetings. Once you have decided on the time and place of your meeting just invite those you wish to attend and they will receive an automatic notification. They can accept or decline to attend and you will receive confirmation so you will always be properly informed.

Free Domain Name. All collaboration websites receive a free domain name of your choice, subject to availability. You can choose a name that is common to your project so that all team members share a common identity and purpose.

Collaboration websites make the sharing of information much easier, provide the ability to turn around information much quicker, and keep those that need to know fully informed. Imagine a construction project with several subcontractors and with site works in progress. Designers and architects can make information available to site personnel and subcontractors, and receive comments back. Office based planning and management teams can track progress and cost, as can the client. Health & Safety representatives can access and approve method statements and permits to work. Total control of the project is managed centrally and it can even be happening in a different country.

Sharing information is essential in many aspects of business and these facilities control and speed up that process. Whether it‘s construction, manufacturing, insurance or a call centre, collaboration websites provide the ability to take control of your project or business data flow. At Design Atom we can install and manage your collaboration website, providing you with administration facilities so that you have total control over the day to day running.

Find Out More

If you‘re interested in what a collaboration website can do for your business or project, or you require any aspect of software design then we can certainly help you. To find out more use the "Quick Links" to the right or Contact Us with your requirements.