Netmosphere, a pioneer in the Intranet productivity software market, today announced ActionPlan, a Java-based collaboration application designed for geographically dispersed IT workgroups. Using the company's innovative Java Application Server (JAS) middleware technology, ActionPlan enables diverse team members to communicate and coordinate their activities in real-time through an existing Intranet infrastructure.

Unlike traditional groupware products that can initially disrupt work flow and require a long learning curve, ActionPlan is easy to set up and natural for team members to use. With Java-based thin-client architecture, the application uses the Netmosphere JAS technology to distribute and update ActionPlan information transparently, such as schedules, tasks, project status, and task-related notes. The thin-client components of the application are dynamically distributed to Java-enabled systems running Netscape Navigator (3.0 and above), Microsoft Internet Explorer (3.0.1 and above) or Marimba Castanet Tuner. They act as a set of highly interactive Web pages that look like a desktop application.

ActionPlan uses push-pull technology, rather than store-and- forward, to create living documents in real-time containing current information that everyone on a team can view and edit at the same time. "ActionPlan uses our JAS technology to broadcast project changes to the team," said Netmosphere Chief Technology Officer Eric Ly.

"ActionPlan provides an up to the minute view of what is done or not done. The notes communicate linked information and comments specific to a task in real-time. Our project related communication avoids unnecessary running around such as checking for status, coordinating with a team member, or asking for help."

ActionPlan can coordinate a wide range of business people, including customers, suppliers, resource managers, matrix managers, project experts, and executive staff, into a cohesive team. "When working with large, enterprise-wide deployment of Internet, Intranet and Extranet installations, it's important to keep constant and dynamic communication with the customer. All people involved need real-time feedback of the project's progress and how it's working to plan. That's one reason why we decided to use ActionPlan," said Marty Kacin, director of engineering at Intranet Partners.

ActionPlan is a multi-platform application designed to work with today's emerging Intranet environments. The Pure Java application is comprised of three components:

-- the ActionPlan client, which maintains project collaboration, scheduling and analysis and information-sharing data;

-- the HotSheet Client, which combines tasks for all projects and team members into a single "to do" list which is automatically pushed and pulled to all team members; and

-- the ActionPlan JAS, which coordinates shared application services and group collaboration.

By using Java and the JAS technology, ActionPlan offers a level of information sharing across the enterprise found previously only in client/server products. "ActionPlan has leap-frogged many project management applications by blending Project Management tools with the Web and Java to create a foundation for projects to be managed and maintained. Project managers can coordinate project plans and updates with team members online, anywhere. It's the melding of organizations, technologies and methodologies that makes ActionPlan superior," said Dave Frederickson, Senior Engagement Manager of Sun Professional Services.

Pricing & Availability

ActionPlan is available now for (US) $499 for 5 users, and (US) $799 for 10 users. It can be purchased directly from the company or downloaded from CNET at www.BuyDirect.com .

Netmosphere's charter is to develop and market convergence applications that enable teams spanning corporate Intranets to create unique competitive advantages in terms of reduced cost, higher quality, improved service, or speed. The company designs Java-based software that will complement existing enterprise installations for cross-platform delivery of information to enterprise-wide teams utilizing the Intranet and intelligent agents. Founded in February 1996, Netmosphere is privately held and based in San Mateo, Calif.