The Technology of Collaboration

What technologies enable governments to collaborate? Currently, there are two primary types of internal collaborative software: custom designed software suites and social networking/in-house apps. Suites such as Sharepoint and OPIN allow government organizations to run software that is designed to enhance the collaborative process. In-house social networking and in-house apps are usually designed from the ground-up by employees or mid-level administrators. Both sets of collaborative software have pros and cons depending on the specific uses and company culture of the organization.

Technologically speaking, specific internal collaboration suites such as OPIN and Sharepoint are developed around conceptual models of the collaborative process. The program tools have been designed to help streamline document retrieval and make it easier and faster for members of the organization to find the materials they seek. A collaborative digital work space usually integrates icons, text windows and live streaming media while simultaneously keeping each of the participating members focused on the topic at hand. The software also takes into account the hierarchies of management and employees. Additionally, administrators or high level executives are able to login at different stages of the process and help move ideas into the development and implementation phases. As the discussion moves ahead, the software automatically documents each note, change or addition by all of the participating members into a format that is simultaneously graphically easy to view and even easier to reference in the future. The software recognizes key ideas and files and groups them into elegantly formatted templates. This means that instead of trolling through hastily scrawled minutes or unrelated email threads, the substance of all meetings and projects has already been cleanly organized.

The only downside to customized software suites is that they are designed to help harness the creativity and innovation of a functional work environment. A start-up organization that is still struggling to establish its working methodology may prefer an in-house app or social network that is altogether looser and less hierarchical. Conversely, the downside of this greater freedom is that the in-house social networks are frequently less secure, both in terms of outsider hacking and the clean organization of ideas.

The ideal collaborative suite balances the need for detailed document retrieval and security with an atmosphere that fosters creativity and unhindered collaboration. Luckily, both types of software are continually updating their programming in response to user feedback.