I have a client who's primary asset is knowledge. They share what they know with their customers. This is done primarily through whitepapers and documents. They have all of these people whose sole job is to sit and think deep thoughts and come up with the answers to questions that people don't know they want to ask.
There is currently a project that is being built to search all of the different document types and put them in one place. I asked, why not just buy a Google box? The project manager rolled his eyes and explained that he wished he could do it, but the powers that be seem to think they need a custom solution. They will never be able to build a better google. I must not fully understand the requirements.
Then I read this blog entry and realized, all of the tools needed for this client to get their job done already exists. They are already there. SnipSnap, Confluence, JSPWiki, etc. they are already there, just like the damned Google box.
I have a voice. People are starting to listen to me. But this client only sees success after it has already been successful for them. They are unwilling to venture into the unknown. If I could only get one small section to give one of these products a try, I think it would change my client forever.
Posted by carl at January 16, 2004 12:23 AM
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