It is probably obvious to many, but I thought I might try to start a list of
why there aren't more posts in this group. Some of the groups I participate
in are quite large and some are quite small. Here are a few of what I think
are the reasons:
1. ProjectPoint works. And it works well. I have been using it since
November 1999 and have had only one hiccup, and that was in the first 6
months of its existence. It was quickly fixed and has not happened again.
Upgrading clients is not a problem, and that probably requires the most user
interaction. In short, there are not a myriad of problems to toss around in
a newsgroup.
2. No customization. This can be good or bad depending on your perspective.
But because users can't customize the program, that whole arena of exchange
does not exist. Since cad folks are usually a creative lot, if ProjectPoint
could be customized, there would be a deluge of interesting questions and
answers posted here.
3. How companies and individuals use ProjectPoint is quite varied. And the
on-line collaborative thing has not been happening all that long. It is my
belief that applying this tool to existing project management scenarios has
been difficult at best. Most (and I admit that I am guessing here) AEC firms
do not have a well defined method of project management in place that takes
advantage of this type of technology. I am just as sure that those companies
that do are having quite a bit of success with ProjectPoint.
4. Which bring me to my last point. How to use this newsgroup. Here are my
ideas:
A. Share successes and failures. Was your plan to use ProjectPoint in
your workplace welcomed with open arms, or was it uphill all the way? How
did you go about training users, management, executives? What strategies did
you employ with reluctant outside consultants? Are your users proactive or
reactive to using ProjectPoint?
B. Share implementation strategies. Do you use ProjectPoint in the
field, or just in the office, or both? What type of workstation installation
works best? Which OS? If you have field deployment of ProjectPoint, how do
you have them connected? What works, what doesn't.
Hopefully there can be a useful exchange here. Somewhat like cad managers
do. ProjectPoint is a great tool at a good price. Extending its use and
expanding our knowledge would be an excellent use of this group and should
generate some noise!
Thanks for listening
Russ