Some view corporate portals as the knowledge management
"killer app." For others they are a throwback to the days of
centralized computing -- costly, inflexible, time-consuming, and big-brotherish.
This article describes eight characteristics and four types of corporate
portals, then goes on to examine their pros and cons in a "point
counterpoint" discussion. Includes chart that compares both sides
on issues of access, efficiency, cost, control, revenues, and intellectual
property ownership. Numerous examples and links to related material, both
on this site and others.
Introduction
For some, corporate portals are the "killer app" of knowledge management,
a "one-stop-shop" for data and services from multiple sources. For others,
they are a reincarnation of centralized computing -- costly, inflexible,
time-consuming, and big-brotherish. In this article we look at both perspectives.
What is a corporate portal?
A corporate portal is a single access point to the internal and external
information you need to do your job. See " Corporate
Portals " ( Computerworld , June 28, 1999). Through a Web browser,
you can access all the corporate applications you use (e.g. word processor,
spreadsheet), get the tools you need to analyze data inside and outside
your company, and see the customized content you need (e.g. industry news,
competitor information).
