Common practices tool
AmberWeb was developed as a Web-based tool for Xerox scientists ("an individual bunch that wouldn’t like something like Lotus Notes," said Holtshouse). The tool was designed to help communities of practice share information across the enterprise. Such groups focus on common practices and areas of interest, rather than specific product or research schedules.
Several Xerox departments have bought it since--so far 25,000 employees use it--and "no one runs it or specifically controls it," said Holtshouse. One administrator spends about a third of her time on it; the rest is self-administered. Like the Web, it requires little or no training.