IDC proposes the eKnowledge center

International Data Corporation reports that a critical role for IT organizations of the future will be to connect individual knowledge management programs through electronic centers of knowledge, or eKnowledge centers.

Tom Murphy, research manager for IDC's IT Advisor program, points out that while many companies have successfully initiated KM programs, "the critical issue they face is developing knowledge capital as a strategic initiative. Even companies with the most advanced knowledge management programs lack a formal approach to defining and achieving enterprise-level knowledge goals."

IDC’s answer to the dilemma: Develop a definitive knowledge strategy by forming a team to identify the critical areas of organizational knowledge and their values as they relate to business goals. Include vertical industry partners, suppliers, and experts with the knowledge initiative.

The key to success, according to Murphy, is "a highly evolved electronic network that links functions together fluidly for the transfer and management of knowledge."

"Developing the eKnowledge Center" is available from IDC.