Building Online: How Architects Use Extranets for Online
Collaboration
Traditionally, architects are a conservative bunch who fiercely
guards "company secrets." As a result, the idea of using an
extranet to share documents and collaborate with others has been
totally alien.
But tradition is rapidly changing. Increasingly, architectural
firms are using extranets to share documents in a secure
environment. Why? Because projects move faster, clients are
happier, and everything - from schedules and budgets to CAD
drawings and renderings -- is more accessible.
An extranet allows engineers and construction companies to
immediately access all pertinent information about a project. It
eliminates the frustration of waiting until the architect
decides to share his plans.
Client relationships are enhanced through the faster and easier
access to the vast volume of documents. Approvals are made more
quickly, and the client has the comfort of knowing that they can
review anything, at anytime.
What is an Extranet?
An extranet provides a secure workspace for clients, vendors and
business partners. It is an area where all the pertinent
information for a project can be made available to all of the
parties involved in the project.
Studies show that almost 50% of architectural firms have used an
extranet. Some firms have resisted using the tool due to the
high cost of implementation and maintenance. It is true that the
cost of setting up an in-house extranet can be expensive. It
requires the purchase of equipment and software, and hiring or
training personnel to setup and maintain the system.
However, hosted extranets have become a popular alternative to
in-house solutions. They can be purchased for a monthly fee from
an application service provider. This approach eliminates the
need for hardware and software, and requires no internal staff
to maintain the system. In fact, most hosting companies provide
training for your staff.
Today, as people become more accustomed to doing most of their
business over the internet, clients are requiring that
architectural firms use extranet technology. The good news is
that extranets have become affordable. More importantly, they
make the complex task of collaboration more efficient, enhancing
the relationships with clients and partners, and accelerating
project completion.