)*
The edge of network is an evidence-based approach to solving fundamental communication problems. It stems from application of virtual collaboration software in many organizations involved in international development. Edge of network principles, however are software solution agnostic: any software can follow these principles. If you are only starting a new software development project, it will likely help you cut down the feature set and increase your success rate.
Whether you are thinking of acquiring an existing solution, commissioning or building your own, are already operating a mailing list or another software that does not fit the purpose of the edge of network, understanding collaboration on the Edge of Network will set you on the right path towards success.
Build your software on the principles of edge of network: reduce your feature set to the absolute minimum; integrate email deeply into the core of the system; and make sure users will be able to own the solution. Remember, it's not about the platform itself, it's about what you do with it that matters.
If you are commissioning the development work, double-check whether the developer(s) truly understand the principles of edge of network. The hard part is not to develop the first version, but to make its users successful, and that might take years - the more features it has, the longer it will take to get them right.
Most likely you already have a solution, or are just evaluating one. The Edge of Network segmentation will help you position the current solution properly. It will give you the framework to talk to decision makers and users about the choice you have made or are making. The Edge of Network is a framework to help you make and justify your decisions through evidence and experience of others.
If you're buying, be wary of vendors offering one-size-fits-all solutions. Software working well on the intranet cannot do well on the edge or outside. The forces shaping the successful use in these three scenarios are exclusive to each other.
If the edge of network is where you operate and it resonates with you, we can offer you the Edge Collaboration Solution, or ECS.
Ecs is the only software solution built on evidence-based principles, and probably the only software you heard of that has less features in every new version. Simplicity requires culling out anything in the way of getting results. Less is more.
ECS is a white-label solution free of charge for actors in international development and is funded through shared ownership by an ever-increasing number of international organizations and non-profits.
* Reach beyond the edge. 
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