"They're Just Not That into Your Intranet"

Yesterday, I read a good article by Paul Chin at Intranet Journal entitled They're Just Not That Into Your Intranet. He ran though a list of features that most intranets need and surprisingly, are missing. To us, these seemed like common sense, so it's surprising to hear that so many others are missing. I wanted to highlight those aspects here.

• Allow user-created content
  • Paul states that some intranets are unidirectional; only broadcasting information to users rather than letting them be the creators.
  • Our software revolves completely around this concept. Everything is powered by every user.
• Allow content comments
  • He uses this as a potential alternative to the first idea.
  • Our software allows comments on every content item. This allows for complete collaboration and targeted discussion.
• Consider viral/water cool content
  • He explains that some fun and offbeat features will help draw users back to the software.
  • While our software doesn't have any fun components built in, the shared blog allows users to submit whatever it is they want.
• Use a microblog
  • He states that new users could be overwhelmed by tons of content and that microblogging could help users ease their way into the system as well as get updated easier.
  • Our software is full of micro features, especially features that get you updated quickly. We offer micromessaging via the shoutbox, activity feeds, status updates, and an information-rich dashboard.
• Stop selling and start teaching
  • He claims that users and potential buyers need to see this software first hand, instead of all of the literature.
  • https://demo.officemedium.com
• Make use of social networking tools
  • He says that users feel more comfortable with a "face" and that socializing promotes corporate culture.
  • We offer tons of social features: user profiles, user statuses, activity feeds, polling, micromessaging, shared blog, poll creation, and more.