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TIA Knowledge Management Project of the Year: Microsoft
November 19, 2008
By Margery Weinstein
Project: Academy Mobile/Podcasting Kit for SharePoint
Challenge: Effectively sharing best practices and facilitating the flow of information between Microsoft teams (the company employs more than 90,000 skilled professionals around the world). Microsoft headquarters previously sent out different training programs and updates on CDs to the sales team on a quarterly basis.
Solution: An e-learning, mobile platform, Academy Mobile, allows employees to download content on their mobile device to watch and listen to audio and video podcasts anytime, anywhere. Academy Mobile is an accelerator for social media, using podcasting and social networks to deliver a next-generation knowledge management solution to Microsoft. Built on top of Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, Academy Mobile delivers an integrated experience with a variety of devices including PCs, Zune Digital Media Players, Windows Mobile phones, and other podcast-capable devices. The Academy Mobile team implemented a range of practices to ensure the audience remains engaged, including distribution of 6,000 micro-secure digital (SD) cards. SD memory cards are used by the sales force on its SmartPhones. These memory cards were filled with a variety of video and audio podcasts such as instructions on how to create a podcast, voice recording software for Windows Mobile devices, and sales best practices recorded by their peers.
The company set up Academy Mobile so users don't have to be on the Microsoft Corporate network to access the information. For podcasts marked "partner/customer ready," employees can share podcasts at meetings and use as supporting material.
Results: The company saved CD production and labor costs and increased profitability and productivity by posting all training content on Academy Mobile.In addition to the sales team, other groups within Microsoft posted podcasts such as HR and IT training information and internal meeting updates.A little more than a year after the launch of Academy Mobile, Microsoft has 2,400-plus podcasts; 1,000 podcasters; 10,000 unique users;and more than 90,000 downloads. With the success of Academy Mobile and high interest and demand from Microsoft partners and customers, the company made it available to the public in June 2008 as Podcasting Kit for SharePoint (PKS) (www.codeplex.com/PKS). Microsoft currently has 52 enterprise customers in its technology adoption program who are interested in deploying PKS in their environment. Podcasters get instant ROI by tracking the number of unique users who have downloaded their podcasts, five-star rating, commenting, and RSS subscriptions. With the ability to contact podcasters instantly through different features such as Instant Message, e-mail, and the technology's commenting tool, Microsoft has received positive feedback on how useful it is to see everyone's information in one place.
Judges' Comments:
• The technology's rating system brings the best stuff to the top.
• Open-source—going open is a brilliant move.
• Good tie into Microsoft Instant Messenger.
• Practical application.
• Jargon-free.
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