Intranet Outsourcing

Intranets, as their name suggests, are primarily internal projects. However this does not mean that outside help isn't important. Companies tend to become myopic and an outside vantage point can help clarify thinking. This is why they usually seek outside help when trying to determine their branding and positioning. Likewise, the structure and design of an intranet is affected when designed by those "too close" to the details. Often an internal organizational chart becomes the foundation for the structure of an intranet. Org charts are not usually a good place to start when defining an intranet's structure. Sometimes it just takes an outsiders view to help an internal development team work through the planning of an intranet.

Another reason for the agency to be involved is that outsiders have the freedom to ask questions that those inside the company may not feel free to ask. Lois Rosenfeld and Peter Morville point out two important factors in their book "Information Architecture,"

"The great thing about outsiders is that they can get away with asking naive questions considered suicidal by insiders... an outsider can ensure that the organization chart isn't the site's architecture, and challenge confusing orgspeak."

An outside consultant is able to ask questions and work through internal political struggles in ways that members of an organization cannot. These issues must be faced and dealt with if the ultimate design is to be effective for the people who use it. Again, it can be very difficult for an organization to get past their own orgspeak and internal understanding of their own structure.