Abstract
The World Wide Web is accelerating the evolution of corporate information systems.
Based on TCP/IP Internet technology, the web is attracting and approachable to the
user, and is an unequaled tool for the systems integrator. Schlumberger has invested
in TCP/IP networking for several years, and in 1995 a series of web-based business
resources debuted on the Schlumberger Intranet. These resources are integrated with
Schlumberger business processes, and have rapidly become a vital business capability.
The business drivers that motivate the exploitation of the web include reducing
reaction time, extending the influence of exports, and centralizing services to
reduce cost. Our tour visits the resources collected on the Schlumberger Quick
Reference Page, including the corporate directory, web server directory, supplier
directory, Technology Watch Coordination, software distribution. The Refinery
information filter, and the Information Technology Standards areas, as well as
the author's personal page. In each case, the history is one of 'process insertion',
building a technical capability into the fabric of Schlumberger's business to
achieve a new level of performance.
We conclude that the web's capabilities for integration of diverse resources
and incremental extension are the foundation of its extraordinary success.
There are obstacles, but with breakthroughs imminent in security, interactivity,
and protablility, the use of web technology in corporate Intranets has a bright
future.
