The UPDATED Decision Maker’s Guide to Jive Software vs. ThinkPassenger vs. Spigit Vs. BrightIdea

Innovation Edition

You and I are trapped in a two dimensional corporation.  The corporate version of Carl Sagan’s Flat Land.  Where we only see a cross section of the truth.  But if we were able elevate the corporation into the third dimension we’d  have much better visibility and access to information.

And that’s where the innovation solution providers fly in.  They provide that platform to innovate in three dimensions.  They provide what’s typically missing in organizations.  Depth and altitude.  Depth to lay a deep foundation and altitude to build on the ideas of others to make them better.

The Updated Innovation Management Players

My previous Decision Makers post on the innovation vendors was well received.  In fact I am still receiving calls and emails for updates to the guide.  I thought the first version lacked some depth so I’ve expanded it slightly with the matrix below.

Each of these companies provides a value beyond idea creation.  They also provide a means to vet ideas in a public forum.  They allow the ideas to be tested, scrutinized, improved or as importantly shut down.

The Ideation Detection Kit

In Carl Sagan’s The Demon Haunted World, Sagan suggested a set of tools for testing arguments.  I contend that the same tests can be applied to ideation.  In fact, the companies listed above make this process more efficient.

1. Wherever possible there must be independent confirmation of the facts. Each of the companies listed deliver strong solutions that expose ideas across an organization for increased scrutiny.
2. Encourage substantive debate on the evidence by knowledgeable proponents of all points of view. Each of the platforms allow a mechanism for comments and voting in order for all ideas to be vetted.
3. Arguments from authority carry little weight (in science there are no “authorities”). The authority arises within the crowd.
4. Spin more than one hypothesis – don’t simply run with the first idea that caught your fancy. Amen.
5. Try not to get overly attached to a hypothesis just because it’s yours. By subjecting your idea to the crowd, feedback is instantaneous.

Note: Sagan’s tests in BOLD, mine in italics.

So Who has the Best Innovation Solution?

Unfortunately we can’t point to one best solution.  It’s up to you to do a needs analysis for your company and choose the appropriate solution.  For example, if your company has little or no experience then ThinkPassenger may be your best option.  If you have Jive and need a solution to vote on ideas, then adding the innovation module from Jive may be your best option.

But I’ve given you a head start. I’ve studied the market for you. The companies listed in the matrix should be top on your list if you’re in the market for an innovation solution.

Did I miss anyone?  What do you think about the four I’ve listed?