Activity Feeds: Killer Feature for Knowledge Workers
To get articles like this free in your inbox, subscribe to our newsletter.
Things I love:
- Activity feeds
- Soccer
- CloudShare happy hour
Things I hate:
- Being CCed on emails
- Apps without activity feeds
- Clowns
What is an activity feed? The answer to that depends on the applications and tools you are using. Primarily, I encounter activity feeds within CloudShare, Chatter, Google Docs, and Box. The goal is to bring people and discussion to the content by allowing comments and information to happen in context.
Example 1: Chatter
Chris Riley and I frequently use Chatter to exchange short messages and information relating to customers and product management. With this tool, we can both track our comments and maintain organizational transparency by communicating in a forum where co-workers can view our discussions.
Example 2: Google Docs
One of the main reasons I like Docs is because I can leave comments on documents and content. With Microsoft Word, I was used to using the “track changes” functionality to make revisions with team members and to view their comments. With Docs, the editing process is simplified with comments and discussions taking place around content in real time.
Example 3: Box
Box has added a tagging functionality, which allows you to @tag people in comments. Those of you who use FaceBook or Twitter are familiar with this type of function. The way I’m using this feature is to say things like, “Hey @Dom are we set for the polo match this weekend?” You can also assign and complete tasks in the activity feed, which allows you to collaborate and be super productive.
Example 4: CloudShare
When you start collaborating on development environments and test servers, it is extremely important to know varied access levels and what changes have been made to each environment/server. In the CloudShare app for example, you can see an at-a-glance overview of what is happening.
What can you do?
All of these systems are available for free (like free air)! My advice? Pick your direct project team and try out one of these tools to maximize content collaboration, tracking, and efficiency.
And let me know- how do you feel about activity feeds? Are they totally awesome? Weak sauce?
Leave a comment and share your thoughts.
What you should do next…
1. Subscribe to our newsletter:
Subscribe to our newsletter below for the latest news, advice and thought-leadership for software professionals. Or visit our blog to browse our most recent articles.
2. Learn how virtual labs can grow your business:
To learn more about how CloudShare helps software organizations grow revenue, increase efficiency and improve quality, visit our resources page. You’ll be able to browser dozens of valuable white papers, eBooks, webinars, case studies, and brochures.
3. Get a FREE, no obligation demo:
Discover just how easy it is to create your cloud environment—in minutes! One of our friendly virtual labs experts will be happy to:
- Show you the platform in action
- Calculate pricing for your business
- Set you up with a 14-day free trial
- Answer any questions you have
- No pressure or obligation