Enterprise 2.0 For DimensionData

Instead of throwing out the baby with the bathwater and attempting to quell the inevitable flow of Web 2.0 applications into the corporate IT landscape, Dimension Data’s Network Integration division has looked to find value from what it considers to be progressive technologies. For example, where YouTube may be considered a time waster and the bane of the hard working office, it has also served as inspiration for this innovative company to foster internal collaboration and communication.

It has collaborated with Microsoft solutions provider nVisionIT to create something of an internal YouTube to share ideas, exchange information and extend collaboration across a global workforce. Dubbed ‘NI_tube’, the Intranet-hosted solution provides for the uploading and sharing of user-created content to create a more cohesive business unit better able to meet the needs of its customers.

According to Shannon Beukes, Business Owner of Online Systems at Dimension Data, the people who work within the division tend to be on top of the latest developments in Internet technology and services. “Our people are technology-savvy. They use FaceBook, YouTube, blog services and everything else Web 2.0 has to offer in their personal lives. We therefore thought about how these emerging services could add value in our own environment and came up with the concept of NI_tube.”

NI_tube encourages our employees to create videos demonstrating know-how, technical ability and approaches to problem solving within the context of Dimension Data’s Network Integration line of business. Just like on YouTube, the videos are uploaded and can be accessed by anyone on Dimension Data’s intranet.

Says Beukes: “We wanted to find ways to facilitate education and information exchange within our core business. Through collaboration, we believe we can invigorate innovation in the Network Integration context.”

Just like YouTube, anyone with an opinion or something to say can contribute. “From senior executives to technical staff, every member of the Dimension Data team has value to add and can share their experiences, abilities and knowledge. We want to facilitate this process in a manner which is not only fun, but also creates value which is retained in the organisation,” Beukes notes.

Piers Matthews, Information Worker Business Unit Manager at nVisionIT describes the project as one of the ‘coolest’ he has seen in any corporation. “This is a great example of a forward looking company finding an innovative solution to enhance communication. The Network Integration business wanted to share what it is they do and also foster collaboration. The informal, fun approach espoused in YouTube is central to the massive growth of that site, so Dimension Data has taken a similar stance with NI_tube,” he says.

From a technology perspective, Matthews says the solution is presented through Microsoft Silverlight and AJAX technologies. This is backed by Microsoft SharePoint Server, where all videos, comments and ratings are stored. SharePoint Server also drives the approval workflows, which ensure that no inappropriate content is loaded.

The use of Silverlight technology in delivering the user experience in the context of the enterprise, is unique, Matthews says. “I believe that this may be the first of many applications where Silver Light will deliver an Enterprise 2.0 experience [based on Web 2.0] in South Africa.”

While the concept is in its launch stages at present, Beukes says there is considerable excitement around NI_tube. “We operate in five regions across the world; executives are enthused that NI_tube will bring employees closer, while it also gives them the ability to reach the 11 000 staff members in another effective manner. Meanwhile, employees have the opportunity showcase their skills and expertise through their contributions,” she adds.

Noting that the world of the enterprise information worker is changing rapidly, Matthews says the incorporation of Web 2.0 into company IT structures is inevitable. “Smart companies will accept that this is a rising tide which can and does add value if introduced into the enterprise appropriately. The blog, the wiki and the video message are useful new communication modes which allow people to share information and achieve more and Dimension Data’s Network Integration division is taking advantage of this,” he concludes.