Construction Collaboration Technologies: The Extranet Evolution

The UK's first (and so far only) book focused on construction project 'extranets' has been written by BIW head of corporate communications Paul Wilkinson. The guide was published by Taylor & Francis in September 2005, followed quickly by the ExtranetEvolution.com blog.

Since the late 1990s, web-based collaboration technologies ('project extranets') have become increasingly widely used within the UK construction industry and are now routinely deployed on the design and construction of thousands of projects. However, as Sir Michael Latham writes in the book's foreword:

“… this market is still maturing and has not yet reached the stage when most professionals will have sufficient knowledge to make informed decisions. Anyone working on, or aspiring to work on, major projects will increasingly need to be familiar with these systems and the pros and cons of their use. …

“This is a timely and stimulating book, aimed at industry participants wanting to know more about the construction collaboration technology market in the UK. Industry customers, their advisors, professionals from technician level practitioners at the project work-face up to board-level decision-makers, and students looking to enter the industry, will all find this book enormously informative and interesting. It answers many of the questions commonly asked about the technologies.”

The book aims to cut through the hype and jargon, and offer neutral advice on many prospective users' key concerns. For example, the book looks at how to choose a software provider, key software features, hosting, legal issues, connectivity, achieving user buy-in, and assessing the benefits of the technologies.

"an invaluable guide for everyone from trade contractor to client, and an essential read for users of these technologies and those considering their use." (QS News - read the full review)

Read abridged extract, published in insITe (newsletter of the IT Construction Forum)

Extranet Evolution - the blog

Following publication of the book, Paul began a blog - ExtranetEvolution.com - about all the issues discussed in the book, and new issues and developments since its publication.