The World of Weblog Solutions (for knowledge management or K-Logs) There are lots of tools that allow you to build Weblogs (although over time, in order to be fully functional K-Logging tools, they are going to need lots of additions).  Here are the two main categories:

1) Server-based tools.
2) Desktop-based tools.

There are many more server-based tools than desktop tools.  Most are delivered in the form of a service that you can sign-up for at a Website.  For small organizations and individuals services work great, however, if you want to build an Intranet solution you will need packaged software you can install on your own servers.  There is also a concern that these services may go out of business.  These packages are come in two flavors:

1) Low cost commercial software
2) Open source software

Both types offer lots of feature functionality.  Typically, open source tools require more customization and technical expertise, but compensate for that with a free price tag.  We should also be clear that Weblogging software has a particular mode of operation and that selection of a generic content management system will require significant modification ($$) before it can be made usable.

The benefits of server-side solutions is that you get the quality ensured by centralized administration and control.  The negative is that you need to get the support of IT to set them up and manage them.  It also puts limits on the scalability of the system and limits personal control over usage and data (although this can be mitigated using static server caching).  As a result, client-side software has emerged that puts less of a strain on centralized resources.  This client side software comes in two flavors:

1) A fully functional content management system (CMS) driven Weblog
2) An instant messaging client  (or something that looks like it)

Both approaches offer advantages.  The instant messaging client allows you to post from a variety of locations using a fast client.  The content management solution allows you to store your data on the desktop, integrate with other desktop apps, and allows a significant amount of feature functionality.

I personally think that a the CMS driven client-side approach holds the most promise for the full realization of corporate K-Logs.   However, you can get started using a basic Weblog package from a variety of software vendors, open source initiatives, and service providers right now.  The list is too long to mention. [John Robb's Radio Weblog

The World of Weblog Solutions (for knowledge management or K-Logs) There are lots of tools that allow you to build Weblogs (although over time, in order to be fully functional K-Logging tools, they are going to need lots of additions).  Here are the two main categories:

1) Server-based tools.
2) Desktop-based tools.

There are many more server-based tools than desktop tools.  Most are delivered in the form of a service that you can sign-up for at a Website.  For small organizations and individuals services work great, however, if you want to build an Intranet solution you will need packaged software you can install on your own servers.  There is also a concern that these services may go out of business.  These packages are come in two flavors:

1) Low cost commercial software
2) Open source software

Both types offer lots of feature functionality.  Typically, open source tools require more customization and technical expertise, but compensate for that with a free price tag.  We should also be clear that Weblogging software has a particular mode of operation and that selection of a generic content management system will require significant modification ($$) before it can be made usable.

The benefits of server-side solutions is that you get the quality ensured by centralized administration and control.  The negative is that you need to get the support of IT to set them up and manage them.  It also puts limits on the scalability of the system and limits personal control over usage and data (although this can be mitigated using static server caching).  As a result, client-side software has emerged that puts less of a strain on centralized resources.  This client side software comes in two flavors:

1) A fully functional content management system (CMS) driven Weblog
2) An instant messaging client  (or something that looks like it)

Both approaches offer advantages.  The instant messaging client allows you to post from a variety of locations using a fast client.  The content management solution allows you to store your data on the desktop, integrate with other desktop apps, and allows a significant amount of feature functionality.

I personally think that a the CMS driven client-side approach holds the most promise for the full realization of corporate K-Logs.   However, you can get started using a basic Weblog package from a variety of software vendors, open source initiatives, and service providers right now.  The list is too long to mention. [John Robb's Radio Weblog]

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