We're developing these Extranets to allow the end-user to then integrate whatever content they want into their respective Intranet sharepoint environments. So, instead of it being the end of extranets, in our improbable scenario we prefer to see them as channels of web services. We would love to integrate ourselves into our clients respective Intranets but we can't, so the extranet + to the rescue.

As Ron tweeted collaboration forums like Legal OnRamp could be part of the answer. But I think that you can take this even further. How about getting into the client’s intranet and knowledge management system? Not only by pushing updates by RSS, but also by actually providing documents and content. I know that Cisco has adopted some really interesting processes for this – see for example this article http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/... – where routine legal tasks are handled internally by standardized technology by filling out questionnaires, but as soon as something is out of the ordinary, there is an automatic link to an outside law firm. Imaging being the law firm providing the standardized material to the client (within the client’s internal system) and getting all assignments whenever the task is outside the ordinary – that would really create a strong client relationship, much stronger than I can imagine any extranet ever providing.

Many sites do not even try to make themselves work better on BlackBerry or iPhone. It's not just the browser. You really need to redesign the site to deal with the smaller screen. Google does a good job of this with Reader. I do the same with my blog: http://www.ComplianceBuilding.com. (Of course, it looks great on the iPhone and mediocre on the Blackberry.)

It's not that hard to redesign a site for a smaller mobile screen. Extranets need to make that effort or they are doomed to continued failure.

Doug, I completely agree that the lack of mobile support with today's extranet platforms is a huge problem for our attorneys. However, I think the fault lies more with the mobile devices we are giving them than with the Extranet, Intranet, and document management platforms.

On my iPhone I have wonderful tools for consuming RSS, synchronizing calendar and task items, and viewing/editing documents. My Blackberry, however, has a crappy screen and mediocre software. Even with a smaller market share than the Blackberry, the iPhone App Store has many more developers writing custom applications than Blackberry Marketplace does.

I think the best solution is to move our users to more modern “smart phones” such as the iPhone or Android based phones. The reason the Blackberry is so universal is that they used to be the only game in town. That is no longer the case.

Mobility is a major challenge. I wonder if we'll resolve it by reducing and simplifying everything so it works with a smaller form factor OR will we figure out that while there are some things a blackberry does well, it can't do everything.

- Mary