The concept of a "project web site" has evolved significantly since the first "project extranets" in the mid 1990s. Today there is a new class of technology called Integrated Project Collaboration (IPC) software that consists of web-based applications designed for shared use by entire project teams. IPC software is a great fit in today's era of Integrated Project Delivery, and it takes the traditional "project web site" to a new level of functionality and integration with the entire team through use of cloud computing technology.
I maintain a blog that discusses this in more detail,
www.integratedprojectcollaboration.com. I also recently presented an AIA continuing education webinar that had over 500 design and construction professionals registered, which is a good sign of the growing interest in this topic and this new class of technology.
Several of the companies mentioned previously in this discussion have nice products, but they are not web-based nor do they meet the criteria for integrated project team use. For example, Newforma is a database application that is installed on local servers in your office. It is a great tool for organizing your firm's internal documents and information, but it does not equally benefit the other project team members. A number of firms are using tools such as Newforma for their internal information while also using IPC software for external collaboration with the entire integrated project team.
Finally, my company, Submittal Exchange, is one of the leading providers of IPC software. We've been in business for over seven years, we have over 20,000 users utilizing our web-based applications for design, construction, and LEED management, and we have a large and dedicated team of professionals on our staff who spend their time assisting design and construction firms across North America. You can learn more at
www.submittalexchange.com.
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Matthew Ostanik AIA
President
Submittal Exchange
Des Moines IA
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-30-2010 11:28
From: Thomas Miller
Subject: project specific web sites
The following came to me as a message. I've deleted the author's name as I'm unsure whether he intended to be known or not, but I think it was intended as a post to this discussion. In any case, here you go:
We use Newforma here - great for sharing information with consultants - especialy when you get into large file sizes - does not clog up email. Also good for posting drawing sets. And unlike an FTP, keeps a job specific record of what you sent, to whom, and even who downloaded the content (and when they downloaded it). great for when someone swears they "never got the file".
On the flip side, I am not sure anyone is really using all it can do - most are using it as a depository, but a few of us have tried the RFI's and submittals, but in my opinion this is still the domain of the contractor,a nd they use their own software to keep track of those. It was a good tool for tracking submittals and transmittals.
It is also good for emails - especially when you are trying to find an email - it has a number of ways to search (job specific). What used to take hours during a dispute to find something now takes a few minutes. Literally.
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Tom Miller
Project Architect
Overland Park, Kansas
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