Optus and IBM's Software Group will jointly develop and market a private and secure 'virtual project office' for businesses and Government - called the 'Know How Network' (KHN).

The KHN will allow teams of people to work in a 'virtual project office' from anywhere in the world, sharing information as though in the same room.

Bill Leakey, Director, Government & Key division of Optus Business, said most companies believe that managing data and organisational knowledge is a key challenge.

"There is so much data moving through an organisation that capturing it and using it efficiently is becoming increasingly difficult.

"By combining forces and offering the KHN, Optus and IBM Software can help organisations to electronically manage and store their intellectual capital.

"For example, a printing firm could use this solution to undertake a printing project from inception to publication, bringing together specialist designers, advertising agencies, printers and customers in one secure environment, while they are located in offices in different parts of the country or even the world," he said.

The KHN will be carried on secure Optus networks, hosted in Optus data centres and will utilise Lotus software from IBM - including Quickplace, Sametime and Domino. The solution is ideal for project management, document and version control, and features shared whiteboard, videoconferencing and teleconferencing facilities.

Duncan Hewett, Regional Manager for Lotus software, IBM Software Australia/New Zealand, said that in today's environment, the need to bring teams together quickly and effectively to solve business issues is vital.

"Through this service, companies can more effectively work with their business partners and customers to develop new products and solutions that generate unique competitive advantages," Mr Hewett said.

The KHN integrates with Optus's extensive range of managed services, including 'Optus Online Office', which provides fast and secure access to software applications hosted in Optus data centres.

For more information:
Donna Clatworthy
Optus Public Affairs
Phone: 02 9342 8343

Sarah Smallhorn
IBM Software Group
Phone: 02 8448 4547