3 Summary
This paper focused on software tools for knowledge management. We have surveyed
the commercial market for such tools, divided them into functional categories and
described them from different perspectives. We provided two models that we used to
describe the tools. All knowledge cannot be made explicit and recorded; thus a
knowledge management solution must address both tacit and explicit knowledge. All
repository-based software systems support a majority of the phases in the knowledge
life cycle, while few systems actually deal with the analysis and synthesis of new
knowledge. We conclude that most of the available tools are specialized, and not
complete systems. This is a result of the many facets of KM that need to be addressed
through a KM system. Another finding is that not all tools that are labeled ‘KM tools’
are indeed KM tools; their vendors attempt to make them more attractive by attaching
this buzzword to them. Impressions from KMWORLD2001 and other conferences
indicate that the market is steadily growing. To implement an efficient KM system,
organizations must identify their main problems, priorities, and strategy, and then
select appropriate tools. Knowledge management relies heavily on technology, but it
is important to realize that technology alone will never be the solution to knowledge
management. There are socio-cultural and organizational components that need to be
addressed in a KM system implementation to assure its acceptance and success.