WSS 3.0 Enhances Collaboration, Administration

Blogs and wikis in Windows SharePoint Services (WSS) 3.0, the latest version of Microsoft’s free (with Windows Server) and easy-to-use platform for team collaboration sites, could help workers informally exchange ideas and document ad hoc work procedures. Combined with better document management, usability, and administration, these features could encourage new deployments and upgrades. However, organizations should carefully weigh how best to use these features before they are widely deployed, and other changes could frustrate workers.

A Platform for Team Collaboration

WSS 3.0 is the latest release of Microsoft’s platform for team collaboration sites. Team sites help groups of workers share information and work together. For example, a product development team might use a team site to gather ideas for product features, collaborate on specifications, track project schedules, and communicate project status.

WSS ships as a component of Windows Server; the latest version is available as a download for customers of Windows Server 2003, and its use is covered by the Windows Server Client Access License (CAL). Once it is installed and configured, workers can create and edit sites without IT involvement.