Even people who are light Internet users at the best of times have probably come across the company VeriSign somewhere during their Web perusals. The most likely time for non-savvy browsers to have come across this company's name is when a purchase has been made through the use of a credit card online; the VeriSign logo is probably something that you noticed in that last minute ?is this really safe?? gut feeling check.
Well, there is a good reason that VeriSign has a presence on that credit card, confirm payment page; it is a company which provides some of the most vital security on the world market place today. You may have heard that Internet purchases are starting to overtake retail in North America, and a big part of the reason is the security provided by companies such as VeriSign. Here are some of the services that may be relevant to your online collaboration project that VeriSign provides:
Managed security: Firewalls, intrusion protection and detection, and warnings about system vulnerabilities can all be critical in protecting your project from hackers and viruses.
Authentication: For the use of online money transactions, in order to confirm that people with access are indeed collaborators on the project, remote access provision and validation.
Global and email security: VeriSign provides anti-spam, anti-phishing, and anti-virus protection for your email as well as a variety of consulting measure on issues of security.
So when it comes to the security end of things, you are probably sure to encounter VeriSign at some point on your project. But VeriSign is likely to show up in a number of other areas as well; they are a huge company that provides services in the following areas:
Communications: VeriSign operates a huge number of products and services that make instant, online collaboration possible. These services include VOIP, call routing, call directories, LNP, wireless LAN, and more. They also offer downloadable digital content.
Using the Internet! VeriSign is almost inescapable when it comes to using the Internet, and that includes online collaboration projects. The company operates the two biggest root name servers on the Internet (.com and .net).
So when it comes to your online collaboration project, VeriSign is bound to have a presence. In fact, for most projects the services the company provides are virtually indispensable.
Open Source Online Collaboration
Over the past several years, a new tool has grown in popularity: the client service extranet. While face-to-face meetings remain the most effective (and essential) collaboration tool, extranets have replaced email as the favored forum for sharing and organizing the vast number of documents that are part of all client/agency relationships.
Increasingly, service firms are using extranets as a platform to share work with clients securely and efficiently. They allow clients to log into a secure workspace and access the materials that pertain to them.
An extranet allows clients to:
• Access draft documents for approval or comment
• Preview artwork or multimedia presentations for approval or comment
• Provide important background information from the client before the project begins
• Archive past projects for easy comparison
• Access time and billing information
• Access a log of all project communication
• Reduce the number of or eliminate the need for face-to-face meetings which can make servicing remote clients easier and less expensive
Since most clients are busy people, using an extranet can save both time and frustration for the client and improve the agency's level of service and as a result, the client's overall satisfaction.
How Do You Set Up An Extranet?
You can set up and in-house extranet or purchase a hosted extranet from an application service provider for a monthly fee.
Building an in-house extranet
If you select an in-house implementation, you will need to have an existing intranet infrastructure available. Then you can purchase the necessary equipment and software and either hire or train personnel to maintain the system. The initial cost can be significant and may be beyond the reach of smaller firms.
Building an in-house extranet offer the following advantages and disadvantages compared to using a hosted (ASP) solution:
Advantages
• Complete control of user interface design
• Ability to customize functionality for each client
• Integration into internal systems
• Direct access to all user activity
Disadvantages
• High up-front development cost
• Requires staff expertise in the development of extranets
• Commitment of internal staff for 6 months to a year for planning, execution, review and implementation
• On-going commitment of internal staff for internal and client support, hosting, maintenance and upgrades
• Extensive internal and client training
Using a hosted solution
If you decide to purchase the extranet from an application service provider, you will pay a monthly fee for as long as you use the service. The hosting company provides the infrastructure, security, setup and maintenance of the system. It isn't even necessary for you to have an internal network. Many will also provide training for your staff as well.
Using an Application Service provider (ASP) offers the following advantages and disadvantages compared to using an in-house extranet:
Advantages
• Proven track-record of web-based application
• Low cost of entry and predictable cost over time
• Rapid implementation as quickly as one day
• No internal staff commitment to internal and client support, hosting and maintenance
• Upgrades available at no cost
• Savings on internal server use
• Easier to learn, easier to use
Disadvantages
• Less freedom in user interface design
• Fixed functionality
Whether you choose to build and maintain your own extranet, or choose to use a hosted solution, your firm will streamline client services by providing faster access to critical documents, and by reducing the turn around time for review and approval. Which one you choose will depend on your company's needs and existing resources.
Both Rob Parker & Malcolm Brown are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Rob Parker has sinced written about articles on various topics from Real Estate, Network Marketing and Real Estate. Using a you can find anything instantly, it's easy for you to tag, search or filter, even inside documents.. Rob Parker's top article generates over 301000 views. to your Favourites.
Malcolm Brown has sinced written about articles on various topics from Computers and The Internet, Advertising Guide and Personal Desktop. Rick Mosenkis is CEO of Trichys, providers of WorkZone and intranet solutions for. Malcolm Brown's top article generates over 5400 views. to your Favourites.
