KARL is an open source Knowledge Management System that allows organizations to collaborate securely online. The system was designed for international NGOs to support cross-organizational collaborations and includes:
• A set of intuitive and well-integrated tools
• Membership management with searchable profiles
• Accessibility and usability for everyone in a geographically distributed organization
• Capability to collaborate securely with individuals who are external to an organization
• An unlimited number of communities to support organizations
• Enterprise-level quality and fast performance through a solid architecture and collaborations
The KARL system is currently used by a growing number of international non-profit organizations including Oxfam GB, United Nations Environmental Programme, Open Society Foundations, Ariadne, European Foundation Centre and other NGOs of all sizes. The system is offered using a Software as a Service (SaaS) model by providers in the U.S. (Six Feet Up) and Europe (gocept). More information on the KARL system and other collaborative technologies for the social sector can be found in an excellent research report prepared by the Monitor Institute and Foundation Center called ‘Harnessing Collaborative Technologies.’
Techné Verde is developing user governance for the system to provide a common support nexus for all users and to facilitate interaction between users of all KARL instances.