Shared Spaces ... the Collaboration Advisor

Shared Spaces Briefing, Sep 16

Today's highlights: Kunami.com collaborative workspace; Genesys Meeting Center 3.0; AfterMail;

• Kunami released a suite of web-based applications for email, collaboration and shared document management. Key features: encrypted email, a document manager that permits simultaneous user access and editing, and team schedule and calendar, among others. Available immediately, including a 7 day free trial. Yahoo Business



• Genesys Conferencing released Version 3.0 of Genesys Meeting Center, its integrated Web, voice, and desktop video conferencing service. New features: fast meeting kick-off from the desktop, updated interface, tighter integration with Microsoft Outlook for scheduling, and SSL encryption of meeting traffic, among others. Available worldwide immediately. Genesys Conferencing Grump: These guys have the *worst* possible URL methodology available ... it is near-to-impossible to get a link to a real page on the Genesys site. Bad design!


• AfterMail is a "relational email management platform", that captures copies of inbound and outbound emails and stores those copies in a relationship database, with any attachments stored in a compressed file system. Once captured, users can search and retrieve their own messages, and administrators or managers can search for messages across the entire set of messages. About AfterMail. From Ed Daniel's .net blog ... "It's this awesome new feature in AfterMail v2 which enables you to use the approach not dissimilar to SQL views to select emails to display to an end-user according to criteria and integrated LDAP permissioning - the fact is this, the email is in a relational database and attachments are in a single instance file store as part of an email server as the archiving service (Exchange, Notes, Groupwise and others coming) - the result is an optimised datastore of an enterprise's email communications which can then be consumed by any device capable of having a SQL dialogue."

This Briefing was written by Michael Sampson, of Shared Spaces Research & Consulting Ltd. Email or IM Michael to discuss any of these items further.

Shared Spaces Briefing, Sep 15

Today's highlights: Plaxo Partnerships; Vodafone VPA III; IMlogic IM Detector Pro; Microsoft and Polycom;

• Plaxo announced partnerships with new companies, who will use the Plaxo toolset for synchronization of address book data. One of the new partners is ColSpace, a developer of collaborative workspace software, and its partnership will enable users to sync Outlook Contacts, Calendar, Tasks and Notes with CortexPro and Digital Office, ColSpace's offerings. MarketWire


• Vodafone is releasing the VPA III, a Windows Mobile PDA with a slide out keyboard. Available later in 2004. Wi-Fi Planet


• IMlogic released IM Detector Pro, a free detection and blocking application for IM, P2P, and voice-over-IP traffic. "IM Detector Pro provides a single console from which users can view and manage detailed reports regarding IM and P2P users and map user activities over any time period." IMlogic


• Microsoft and Polycom announced a multiyear joint marketing and development agreement to deliver business quality collaboration solutions across communication devices, applications and services. The first offering combines Microsoft Office Live Communications Server (with its presence awareness and IM capabilities) and Polycom ViewStation, SoundPoint, and SoundStation devices and conferencing systems, among others. "As a result, Windows Messenger users will have access to richer media collaboration experiences that will better unify people, applications, services and devices from the desktop to the conference room, inside and between organizations. Real-time, rich media collaboration will enable faster decision-making; greater productivity across workgroups and remote workers; improved relationships with customers, partners and suppliers; lower costs; and a competitive advantage for customers. In addition to this initial offering, the second wave of solutions will lead to voice and video functionality for Microsoft Office Live Meeting for Polycom and Microsoft customers." Microsoft and Polycom

This Briefing was written by Michael Sampson, of Shared Spaces Research & Consulting Ltd. Email or IM Michael to discuss any of these items further.

Shared Spaces Briefing, Sep 14

Today's highlights: Treo 650 due October; Media Works Systems Media Messenger; New Customer for Parlano; BlackBerry Enterprise Server for GroupWise; Documentum using Interwise for Web Conferencing; Slideware on Microsoft LCS; Microsoft LCS 2005 Beta;

• palmOne is apparently ready to launch the Treo 650 next month. theregister.co.uk and vowe.net


• Media Works Systems released Media Messenger, an IM client that works with AIM, Yahoo, ICQ and MSN. The idea is to enable local media companies to provide local content to the client, and to earn revenue through advertising placement. Available immediately, for Windows only. Yahoo Biz and Media Works Systems


• New customer for Parlano's MindAlign solution: Investec, an international specialist banking group, for use in managing trading operations and critical business information requests. Parlano and Investec


• At Novell BrainShare Europe, RIM is demonstrating its support in the BlackBerry Enterprise Server for the Novell GroupWise email and collaboration platform. The platform will be available for GroupWise later in 2004. BusinessWire


• Major kudos to Interwise for its implementation of Interwise ECP Connect, a web conferencing solution, at Documentum. Prior to the flat-rate fee structure from Interwise, Documentum was paying a huge amount for by-the-minute and over-usage fees. Comment: This case study illustrates an inept lack of customer friendliness and service on the behalf of the prior incumbent. ComputerWorld


• Microsoft has an 8 minute slideware demo of Microsoft Live Communications Server 2003, explaining the main features and functions of the product.


• Microsoft released the Release Candidate build of Microsoft Office Live Communications Server 2003 and Microsoft Windows Messenger 5.1. neowin.net

This Briefing was written by Michael Sampson, of Shared Spaces Research & Consulting Ltd. Email or IM Michael to discuss any of these items further.

We Have DNS, Sep 13

The DNS settings for www.shared-spaces.com now work correctly, and the site has been re-published. Access to shared-spaces.com will divert to sharedspaces.typepad.com/blog, but the full and correct address now works. Thank you for your patience.

Thanks to Bruce for the initial push to do the deed, and to Volker for some assistance in troubleshooting the problem a month ago.

Shared Spaces Briefing, Sep 11

Today's highlights: dmail; Mantra Group Causerie Messenger; Trillian 0.74i Problem; Skype for Pocket PC;

• dmail is a new electronic mail service that provides a "closed-network" for email traffic. dmail users can only interact with other dmail users. helpisathand.gov.uk and dmail


• Mantra Group announced Causerie Messenger, a new IM solution. Key features: multi-headed support for Yahoo, MSN, AOL, Jabber and ICQ, customizable skins, and mail notifications. A Server version is available for corporate customers, and offers support for corporate protocols ... SameTime, Jabber, and Microsoft LCS. Available September 22. Mantra Group



• The Trillian 0.74i IM client has a security vulnerability in its MSN Module, which could permit unauthorized access to message traffic. InternetNews


• Skype released Version 1.0 of its voice-over-IP client for Pocket PC 2003. Enables free calling over WiFi networks. Available immediately. CNET News and Skype Release Notes

This Briefing was written by Michael Sampson, of Shared Spaces Research & Consulting Ltd. Email or IM Michael to discuss any of these items further.

Shared Spaces Briefing, Sep 10

Today's highlights: Convea Update; Intraspect Europe Rebrands; Avistar Patent; Wingra Notes Migrator for Exchange;

• Convea announced a new go-to-market strategy. Convea has developed a platform for Web-based collaboration applications, but its original forays into the open source movement resulted in others "merely stealing" their code and re-branding it, according to Alan Carter, the CEO. If what Alan says is true, then I wish him all the best for the new go-to-market strategy and product iterations. Convea


• Intraspect Europe, which remained a standalone entity after Intraspect Inc was acquired by Vignette, has rebranded as Consider Solutions Ltd. Dan French, the Manager Director, writes in an email, "The new name reflects the fact that the business and technology problems we address for our customers continue to require fresh thinking, reflection and insight into the kinds of people-centred work processes that require improved ways of communication, co-ordination and control. The challenges of Information Sharing, Collaboration & Knowledge Management continue to increase in significance in business on a daily basis. Addressing these challenges to achieve improved efficiency and effectiveness for our customers, remains our business focus." The new site will go live in the next few weeks. Consider Solutions


• Avistar Communications announced that its IP subsidiary received a patent for the synchronization of slides, text, and other static media with recorded audio and video streams. "US Patent No. 6,789,105, issued September 7th , 2004, encompasses the creation of multimedia documents including real-time video with time-insensitive (non real-time) media such as text or fixed graphics.  Real-time video may be recorded from a workstation, in a studio, or via other facilities, and can be combined with time-insensitive media such as text, slides, and graphics created separately. The patent covers combined slide and video presentations, multimedia mail, and other types of multimedia documents involving text or images, and recorded video or audio, which play without user intervention." Avistar


• Wingra Technologies announced Version 2.2 of Notes Migrator for Exchange, a tool for migrating data from Lotus Notes/Domino to Microsoft Exchange. "The product facilitates administrator-driven migrations of users' mail, personal address books, calendars, tasks and personal distribution lists, for multiple users at a time, with no end-user intervention. Notes Migrator for Exchange also converts Notes local stores into Outlook personal stores." prnewswire.com

This Briefing was written by Michael Sampson, of Shared Spaces Research & Consulting Ltd. Email or IM Michael to discuss any of these items further.

Shared Spaces Briefing, Sep 9

Today's highlights: RIM BlackBerry 7100t; Presence Applications; AOL AIM 5.9; Nokia 9300; Auersoft VisualVault 2004; RIM - We Need to Be Careful About ...;

• RIM announced the BlackBerry 7100t, its first foray into the mobile phone market with the form factor to boot. Features: the standard QWERTY keyboard fare has been replaced with a narrower keyboard that puts two letters on each key and uses a predictive algorithm ("SureType") to guess which one you want, quad-band GSM and GPRS, and Bluetooth, among others. Available from T-Mobile USA, starting October 2004. RIM, T-Mobile and InfoSync



• John Fontana at Network World writes that "presence is next killer application", and that "presence will separate itself from IM and evolve into a network service tapped by applications and corporate communication services". Network World


• AOL released Version 5.9 of AIM for Windows, its IM client. New features: integration with the AOL "You've Got Pictures" service for storing and sharing photos via IM, new 3D super buddy icons, and new sound and wallpaper designs, among others. Available immediately. eWeek


• Nokia announced the Communicator 9300, a combined phone and PDA which is sleeker and lighter than the previous Communicator 9500. Targeted at the corporate market, and the high end consumer market. Available 1Q2005. Nokia and InfoWorld



• Auersoft released version 2004 of VisualVault, its web based document management solution. "VisualVault(TM) architecture is core to the product functionality. The workflow engine and background processes engine were completely re-written to expand capability. Automated training record management was expanded and is unique to ECM platforms. User administration is simplified with drag/drop functional integration to LDAP or NT directories. VisualVault(TM) 2004 meets the requirements of the most stringent compliance standards." Yahoo Biz and VisualVault


• One of the CEO's at RIM talked about its biggest challenge: keeping up with the growing expectations of its carrier business partners. Canada.com

This Briefing was written by Michael Sampson, of Shared Spaces Research & Consulting Ltd. Email or IM Michael to discuss any of these items further.

Shared Spaces Briefing, Sep 8

Today's highlights: Macromedia Breeze Live Pricing; Interwoven TeamSite Linux Edition; BlackBerry for Series 80; CoCreate OneSpace.net 2005;

• Macromedia is introducing a pay-as-you-go pricing scheme for its Breeze Live web conferencing service. Its intention is to penetrate the small and medium size business market. Macromedia InfoWorld


• Interwoven announced a forthcoming version of its TeamSite content management software for Linux. The TeamSite Workgroup Edition will be focused at departmental applications. Interwoven already offers OpenDeploy and WorkSite MP on Linux. Available September 2004. Interwoven


• RIM announced plans to deliver BlackBerry capabilities via the BlackBerry Connect licensing program on SymbianOS-based Series 80 mobile devices, such as the Nokia Communicator 9500. Available 1Q05. RIM



• CoCreate Software released OneSpace.net 2005, the next version of its online project data management and team collaboration solution. New features: synchronization through web folders, access to data in enterprise systems, and project templates. Available immediately. CoCreate

This Briefing was written by Michael Sampson, of Shared Spaces Research & Consulting Ltd. Email or IM Michael to discuss any of these items further.

Shared Spaces Briefing, Sep 7

Today's highlights: IM in India; Five Across Plans; Engadget Interview with Danger; Pew on IM; FeedBurner for BlackBerry;

• On the use of IM in India: "Nearly 77 per cent [of respondants] use IM everyday and a further 12 per cent nearly everyday." rediff.com


• Five Across, a new entrant vendor of group-oriented IM tools, is working on an inhouse version of its hosted IM service. Five Across


• The CEO of Danger, Inc., talked to Engadget about the Danger Sidekick (Hiptop) II device. Key takeaways: (a) consumer market focus because it is bigger than the enterprise market and others aren't playing there well, WiFi on the device is a downstream possibility but battery limitations prevent it today, and IM on the Sidekick has increased exponentially since its launch in 2002. Engadget


• The Pew Internet & American Life Project reported that 40% of adult internet users in the US use IM software, and 20% use IM at work. Pew Internet San Mateo County Times


• FeedBurner is testing an RSS reader for the RIM BlackBerry. konfabulieren.com

This Briefing was written by Michael Sampson, of Shared Spaces Research & Consulting Ltd. Email or IM Michael to discuss any of these items further.

Thank You, Sep 3

This post is the most personal that has appeared on this site. For those who have read my Daily Briefing, you will know that I publish "mostly business" material. But this one is different. I want to publicly say thank you to many of you for your support, interest and collegiality during the past 4-6 weeks. The interest that you have shown in my work, the feedback that you've given on my papers, and the courtesy you've shown in linking to my content has 'made my day'.

For example (and for those not explicitly mentioned, don't feel left out!):

• To Eric Mack, for demonstrating a relentless pursuit of the truth with respect to a certain analyst company, for his day-to-day encouragement on business, and (finally!) for getting to co-work on a client engagement.


• To Rich Schwartz, Chris Byrne, Bruce Elgort, and the nice people at e-Pro Magazine for sharing their thoughts and feedback on my recent white paper on Collaboration Software Clients.


• To Ed Brill, who gave some of my posts a greater level of visibility than they would have achieved without it, and for his professional friendship around areas of common interest.


• To Volker Weber, for helping out with software trials (eg, Groove and Skype), and sharing thoughts and perspectives on my papers.


• To Nick Shelness, for time to talk about the collaboration market, and for his unique thoughts and perspectives on various matters.


• To Ewan Pohe of the New Zealand Knowledge Management network, for making himself known, and inviting me to talk at an upcoming event. I'm looking forward to that!


• To Tris Hussey, for the great work he does in Canada on collaboration related topics, for the value he adds daily to my Shared Spaces Briefing, and for his help and enthusiam around various software products. Tris also commented on my recent white paper.
  

At a time when I work from home and meet few business people face-to-face in the context of a normal week (or month), the above interactions and friendships have given me a real buzz on the profession of messaging and collaboration research. I feel greatly enriched! Thanks.