Almost 2 year ago I enquired about the possiblity of a Desktop App for 3DSwym (See link below).

I was told that this was already part of the roadmap, but that it was unsure when this would be available for customers.

Back when I created the post I was already told that internally DS is already using a Desktop version of 3DSwym. 

So I was actually hoping that it would be available by now. But unfortunately it isn't, and it is unclear when we can expect this.

Which is why am asking again in this post.

Why a 3DSwym Desktop app is needed

The way I see it a 3DSwym desktop app is essential for the succes of 3DSwym as a communication solution.

I really like 3DSwym for creating post or wikis, and we are using it internally within a team of developers for most communication.

However, reaching people that are using the platform less frequently or less actively seems much more difficult.

These people might not be logged in to the platform at all, or have it open somewhere in the background behind other windows.

Or they are just not working on their computer when the message comes in.

So people never read messages sent to them, or posts that concern them. So we end up sending an email to remind them of an unread post... Obviously not how 3DSwym was intended to be used.

Current workarounds

When I talk to people at DS or with DS partners I often hear the same replies:

• Have you setup email notifications?
• Or: Do you know that you can install 3DSwym on you phone?

But email notifications for an app which very purpose is to replace email communication hardly seems an appropriate solution.

And the 3DSwym mobile app only works for people that have a company phone or are willing to install it on their private phone.

And either way, it does not really make sense to look at you phone in order to check whether you have unread notifications when you are working on a pc.

It is also not very clear to me why there is a mobile app, but no desktop app, since 3DExperience is a platform that is primarily accessed from a computer.

What should it do

The main purpose of the 3DSwym Desktop app is to notify people of unread items in their communities or conversations.

Something simple like a taskbar icon that shows the number of unread notifications would be of great help. When the 3DSwym application is set to launch at startup of the computer (and perhaps even running in the background) this also ensures that no important notifications are missed.

This would be similar to the existing notifications button, but then on the taskbar.

How to install it

When I asked my contacts at DS I received the answer that R&D was still investigating how to make the app available.

It is possible that I am not aware of all the possible obstacles, but I don't see why it couldn't just be an app you can download from 3DExperience, similar to how you already install the 3DDrive for Windows app.

Summary

I really believe in 3DSwym as a solution for communication and knowledge capturing.

But for this to be succesful it is mandatory to reach your audience.

The way I see it 3DSwym will therefore not be fully mature, nor a real alternative to other applications like Microsoft Teams or Slack (that do have desktop apps), until a 3DSwym Desktop app is available. 

I am looking forward to hearing whether we can expect new developments on this topic any time soon.

Thanks