Enterprise Portals

Just when the Web changes from a simple server of static web pages to a complex enterprise application based on network concepts, the latest in online initiatives are introduced. The Enterprise Portal is simply a extranet developed by companies to have secure connections with customers, external business partners, and employees. Large and small companies understand the value of these systems as a communication tool. It will soon be the primary communication channel between companies and clients.
 

With the lack of planning and focus on the internet by companies because they were unsure of the permanence of the web, the history has been interesting to watch. Towards the end of the 1990’s departmental web sites were showing up throughout all areas of the corporate world. At first glimpse, companies thought that building the most websites they could would be the best plan. This left corporations with many login accounts and information that overlapped functionality that ultimately left utter confusion. The Enterprise Portal is a plan to have a single login account for corporate sites that have access to the wealth of a company’s offerings.

Features of an Enterprise Portal

Customers can use the Enterprise Portal to look at product information, see course offerings and sign up for the training, view service features like software distribution features and call center interactions, register for conferences sponsored by a company or have access to the company’s online commerce area.

Partners of a company may use the Enterprise Portal to strengthen channel ties, download content, and to collaborate online with a company about a new program.

Employees can use the site in the same way the company Intranet is used except now they can access features outside the firewall.

Enterprise Portals offer all the above users Portal features like current industry news, event calendars and user preferences to enhance visits so users will return and have longer sessions.

Enterprise Portals use the best of one-on-one marketing with the best of personalization to target content messages to unique individuals. Because of this, a customer might be given access to product manuals or other papers that a partner wouldn’t be able to view. CRM and campaign management systems are often relied on for portals to communicate. Ultimately the company wants to interact with partners and customers in the best and most lucrative way possible. Enterprise Portals give analytical data to companies about partners and customers through feedback utilities by tracking usage and navigation of the site with information about what users are interested in being provided.

The Enterprise Portals are built on sophisticated development technologies to offer such a versatile function. Broadvision One-To-One, BEA Weblogic, and ATG Dynamo can be found in use on complex application servers. It may take time to integrate the Enterprise Portals with backend legacy systems. Robust and scalable Enterprise Application Integration architecture will be needed. Java and XML open systems languages make it easier by reducing proprietary interfaces and making standards consistent.

Building a system like this won’t be easy. Data issues and business processes involved in building an Enterprise Portal can be as complex as many of the application development issues that have been faced. With the potential revenue sites like this can generate and the cost savings involved due to streamlining operational methods it’s just a matter of time before Enterprise Portals are as common as Toll Free Numbers for a corporation.