About Authentic Discussions

A system for the virtual enterprise must enable team members to jot down notes, share To Do lists, send memos, as well as,

• Share Files

• Build Documents

• Share Applications

• Share Knowledge

We suggest such a system must also allow people to engage in conversations that build trust. We call this method a from of deliberate discourse and have borrowed the term, “Authentic Discussions,” based on Edward Marshall’s use in, “The Collaborative Workplace.” It is a way of working where team members share their minds in ongoing “in-context” conversations, privately one on one, or publicly within a team, or Community of Practice.

This method documents each member's on-going expressions, conversations, contributions and work habits, providing a continuity of shared purpose that must be experienced to be truly appreciated. It is especially well adapted to the agile, virtual and resilient 21st century enterprise.

Case Studies

The following case studies will be reviewed during proceedings at Collaborate East, Haynes Convention Center, Boston, June 25th, 2002.

Xerox/Virtual Teams/Open Text

In 1997-2000 we developed foundation architecture for integrating document management, knowledge management and community tools in projects for Xerox, Agilent, H-P among others. In October 2000 in a project for Jeffrey Stamps, author of Virtual Teams9, we originated an architecture that is the foundation for Prism Software.

Ecomda (Munich)

Ecomda specializes in Online Information and Communication Management for European Associations and Trade Unions. Prism led a project through Rheingold Associates in 20002001 to prototype various concepts and methods for a community management system.

EFMD (Brussels)

The European Foundation for Management Development based in Brussels is Europe's forum for information, research, networking and dialogue on innovation and best practice in management development. Prism hosted EFMD's eLearning orchestrated by George Por in an event sponsored by IBM Europe.

MCE (Brussels)

MCE (Management Centre Europe) is the European headquarters of the American Management Association. Prism developed the E-Train in April 2001 in association with Laurence Wilson and George Simons to help MCE faculty learn concepts and practices for online training.

IE Solutions (USA)

IE Solutions, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is the home development site for Prism Software.

SolveBrand (Scotland)

A site now being developed with David Cromar for incubation of 21st century businesses.

POINT Builders (USA)

Development site for integrating multi-office Web portal as illustrated in this paper.

About The Author

Founding Principal of Prism Software, Simon' has 25 year’s experience developing computer and web based training and communication programs for dispersed independent workers, students, faculty, agents, resellers and dealer-based technicians.

He has developed knowledge transfer systems for Xerox, H-P, Culligan, Management Centre Europe and European Foundation for Management Development and is currently working with Dr. Edward Marshall author of the Collaborative Workplace to develop an online institute for collaborative enterprise building.

Simon has been a featured speaker at INFOCOMM, SALT/ASTD, Telcon, Collaborate East as well as numerous electronic media events. Simon was a keynote speaker at the first Silicon Valley Multimedia Convention held in the San Jose Techmart Center in 1990.