Efficient collaboration with clients is essential for any service firm. Traditionally, collaboration has focused on face-to-face meetings, supported by email to share work in progress.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) Wholesale Watch Phone 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 commentPreview artwork or multimedia presentations for approval or commentProvide important background information from the client before the project beginsArchive past projects for easy comparisonAccess time and billing informationAccess a log of all project communicationReduce the number of or eliminate the need for face-to-face meetings which can make servicing remote clients easier and less expensiveSince most clients are busy people, Wholesale Sexy Teddies 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 extranetIf you select an in-house implementation, you will need to have Wholesale Watch Phone 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 Wholesale 3DS Pen 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:AdvantagesComplete control of user interface designAbility to customize functionality for each clientIntegration into internal systemsDirect access to all user activity DisadvantagesHigh up-front development costRequires staff expertise in the development of extranetsCommitment of internal staff for 6 months to a year for planning, execution, review and implementationOn-going commitment of internal staff for internal and client support, hosting, maintenance and upgradesExtensive internal and client trainingUsing a hosted solutionIf 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:AdvantagesProven track-record of web-based applicationLow cost of entry and predictable cost over timeRapid implementation as quickly as one dayNo internal staff commitment to internal and client support, hosting and maintenanceUpgrades available at no costSavings on internal server useEasier to learn, easier to useDisadvantagesLess freedom in user interface designFixed functionalityWhether you choose to Wholesale Watch Phone 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, Wholesale Watch Phone 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.
Rick Mosenkis is CEO of Trichys, providers of WorkZone extranet and intranet solutions for online collaboration.
