Using a client extranet for online collaboration efficient

effective collaboration with customers is a prerequisite for any services company. Traditionally, cooperation in face to face meetings to share support via e-mail focused work in progress.

In recent years a new tool has grown in popularity: The Client Services Extranet. While face to face meetings remain the most effective (and necessary) collaboration tool, extranets have e-mail as the preferred forum for the exchange and the organization has replaced most ofDocuments which are part of all client / agency relationships.

More and more companies are service providers with extranets as a platform for exchange with customers safely and efficiently. They allow customers to access a secure workspace and access to materials related to.

An extranet allows customers to:

Access project for the approval or comment
Preview artwork or multimedia presentations for approval or comment
Important background informationInformation from the client before the project
Archive of past projects for an easy comparison
Access time and billing
Access a register of all communications related to project
Reduce the number or eliminate the need for face to face meetings, the expensive maintenance allows remote clients easier and less

Since most customers are busy people with an extranet service to save time and frustration for customers and Improve the agency leveland as a result, overall customer satisfaction.

How to set up an extranet?

You can set and in-house extranet or purchase a hosted extranet from an application service provider for a monthly fee.

Building a home extranet

If you can choose an implementation in-house Intranet infrastructure is necessary to have available. You can then buy the necessary equipment and software rental or for mobilesystem. The initial cost can be substantial and can not, outside the reach of small businesses.

The creation of an extranet in-house offer the following advantages and disadvantages compared to using a hosted (ASP) solution:

Benefits

Complete control of user interface design
Capacity for each individual client functionality
Integration into internal systems
Direct access to all user activity

Disadvantages

High up-front development costs
Requires staffKnow-how in the development of extranet
Commitment of internal staff for 6 months to a year for the design, implementation, review and implementation
The continued commitment of internal staff for internal and customer support, hosting, maintenance and upgrades
Extensive internal and customer training

With a hosted solution

If you decide on the extranet by an Application Service Provider purchasing, you will receive a monthly fee until you pay to use the service. TheHosting companies provide the infrastructure, security, installation and maintenance. Nor is it necessary to have an internal network. Many also provide training for staff as well.

With an Application Service Provider (ASP) offers the following advantages and disadvantages compared to using an in-house extranet:

Benefits

Proven experience in web-based application
Low cost of entry and predictable cost over time
Rapid implementation,quickly as one day
The commitment of internal staff for internal and customer support, hosting and maintenance
Updates for free
Saving on internal server use
Easy to learn, easy to use

Disadvantages

Less freedom in user interface design
Fixed functionality

Whether you choose the solution for creating and maintaining your extranet, or choose the hosting company will use your documents to rationalize a "customer service by providing faster access to criticaland reducing turn around time for review and approval. What choice will depend on your company's needs and available resources.

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