Features and Benefits
The following represent the key features and benefits of the Orchidnet solution

Benefit Feature
Saves Money
  • Orchidnet's familiar web browser-based access minimises the need for user training and software installation
  • Putting paper-based forms and procedures online saves money previously spent on stationery, printing and distribution
  • Intranet usage cuts down on unnecessary emails, lowering storage and network costs
  • Allowing employees to publish and distribute information themselves reduces production and administration costs and frees up human resources

Saves Time
  • Orchidnet provides one central, searchable location for all corporate knowledge and documentation - no need to look anywhere else
  • Business processes are streamlined with Orchidnet, and take place online - no 'paper chase' is
  • Orchidnet's powerful Search Engine lets you find the information you need with just a few mouse clicks

Empowers Users
  • Orchidnet's content publishing tools allow users to create their own documents to share news, knowledge and information
  • Full user profiles give users a real sense of online identity, and help to familiarise users with colleagues throughout your company
  • Users take responsibility for producing their own content, and manage it themselves
  • Regular information updates keep users informed about any new developments that might affect their projects
  • A democratic approach to information ownership encourages every user to create content and take pride in their own independent online output

Improves Productivity
  • Creating a definitive information resource helps to eliminate the duplication of information
  • Publishing documents to one central location eliminates version control issues
  • Online workflow means no 'paper chase' when issuing and approving documents team
  • The simple-to-use web interface helps users to be active and productive online within minutes
  • Easy-to-use applications eradicate technical 'bottlenecks' during the publication of information

Integrated Search
  • All content is automatically indexed and instantly searchable
  • Users can find information quickly with simple keyword searches
  • Orchidnet supports Boolean search logic ('and', 'or', 'not' etc.), advanced filtering and 'exact searches'
  • Automatic indexing allows users to search within Microsoft Office and PDF documents uploaded to the intranet
  • Search results can be restricted according to user permissions and access rights
  • Orchidnet searches content across all standard and optional applications

Simple to Learn, Easy to Use
  • Orchidnet's user interface has been designed to be intuitive and easy to use
  • The point-and-click interface provides users with instant and easy access to the information they need
  • Intranet administrators can control user access to sensitive or restricted information

Application Base
  • Every installation of Orchidnet provides 60 applications as standard, including Article, Fileshare, Forum, Wiki, Helpdesk, Contact Manager and more
  • 30 optional applications provide enhanced functionality such as Risk Management, Exam Management, E-learning and Holiday Booking
  • Orchidnet's common technical frameworks make it easy to develop new applications, cutting development time to weeks rather than months
  • Bespoke applications can also be developed - by Orchid Software technical staff or by your own in-house development team

Customisable Look and Feel
  • Orchidnet's user interface can be fully customised, tailoring your intranet to match your branding and corporate identity
  • A personalised graphical skin can be created for every intranet by Orchid Software's talented design staff, or your own designers
  • Key areas of your corporate, departmental and project homepages can be customised using the content management application included as standard with every Orchidnet installation
  • Please contact us to see examples of bespoke client homepages that we have developed, or to discuss your own particular requirements

Content Ownership
  • Easy-to-use content publishing wizards mean no need for HTML skills
  • Users are responsible for updating their own content and take pride in their published material
  • Content owners are automatically informed of any scheduled content review dates
  • Users can raise change requests against out-of-date or inaccurate content

Personalised Content
  • Users can subscribe to regular intranet newsletters, keeping informed about company developments
  • Orchidnet keeps users informed on their upcoming tasks, and highlights new and unviewed content items
  • Applications can be personalised to show each user information that is interesting or relevant to them
  • Orchidnet homepage portlets can be customised to show news stories, weather and traffic reports, RSS newsfeeds and more
  • Users can create and update their own online profiles, including competencies, photos, interests and other information

Integration with Existing Systems
  • Orchidnet is designed to link into your existing I.T. infrastructure, and requires no new hardware or software
  • Orchidnet was designed from the outset to integrate with existing network and messaging infrastructures
  • The system synchronises fully with Active Directory and Novell, automatically detecting each user's login details and removing the need to manage separate usernames and passwords
  • Orchidnet also fully synchronises with Microsoft Exchange, letting intranet users view diary appointments, tasks and shared contacts online
  • Existing applications can be linked to, launched and accessed through Orchidnet
  • Orchidnet can also tie in to existing legacy systems; please contact us if your require more information on this matter

Online Departments and Projects
  • Orchidnet allows you to create an unlimited number of fully customisable intranet areas - you can create one for every department and project within your organisation
  • Each department or project area can have its own set of applications that are separate from the wider intranet
  • Department and project access can be restricted from unauthorised users
  • Responsibility for managing and controlling content in departments and projects can be delegated to individual users

Zero Risk
  • Orchidnet is a tried and tested solution that has been used and trusted by some of the world's leading organisations for well over a decade
  • Orchidnet is used by tens of thousands of users every day
  • Orchidnet brings all of your business processes online, with 60 standard and 30 optional applications
  • Orchidnet can adapt and grow with your organisation - as your business requirements change, Orchidnet will change with them

One Framework
  • Orchidnet's consistent look and feel makes it easy for users to become familiar with new applications
  • All applications share common technical frameworks including security, navigation and paging
  • Common technical frameworks make it quick and easy to develop new applications
  • Intranet content can be linked to other content from external sources, including websites and third-party applications

Return on Investment
  • Every installation benefits from 60 enterprise-wide standard applications, which instantly improve staff and business efficiency and effectiveness
  • The standard application base covers all of the functionality required by most organisations, providing a positive return on investment
  • 30 optional applications can also be added to provide enhanced functionality and maximise your return on investment
  • Orchidnet functionality has previously provided customers with a 600-700% return on investment; contact us for more details

Comprehensive User Statistics
  • Orchidnet provides a range of reporting applications that allow you to monitor site usage for your entire user base
  • Reports tell you who has been viewing what content and where, helping you to target content and make the most of your intranet
  • Important content can be tagged, ensuring that users read and accept terms of use before accessing the intranet and helping to implement health and safety policies, information security etc.
  • Orchidnet automatically highlights popular content, providing you with a snapshot of the most read content on your intranet at any given time

Extranet Facility
  • Orchidnet allows you to create secure online locations from which customers, partners and prospects can access predefined areas of your intranet
  • Extranet users cannot view intranet information without authorisation from administrative staff
  • Extranet users can share news, files, FAQs, websites, helpdesk cases, discussions and lots more
  • Every extranet can be customised to have its own look and feel, even if it differs from that of the intranet
  • Extranet support is an integral part of Orchidnet

Enhanced Security
  • Orchidnet includes a wide range of powerful security features
  • Manual and automatic authentication methods are supported, including Windows and Novell authentication
  • Secure Sockets Layer encryption (SSL) is supported
  • Orchidnet supports Active Directory users and security groups
  • All applications have a comprehensive list of permissions that can easily be granted to, or removed from, intranet users
  • Content is protected by individual, group, application or organisation-wide access rights