Network Of Web Sites Designed To Promote Sharing Among Independents

(Tech Connections Column, January 2001, American Oil and Gas Reporter)

In developing this inaugural column on behalf of the Petroleum Technology Transfer Council, I chose to focus on an important tool that PTTC uses to make technology connections with  U.S. independents–its network of 10 regional Web sites accessible through the national Web site (http://www.pttc.org).

All things considered, users have four common expectations from PTTC’s Web site network. First, users want to find information on regional events, both those in which PTTC is involved and technically-oriented events conducted by others. Second, users expect to find technical information, such as case studies, articles, workshop summaries, reports, etc. Third, producers need access to basic oil and gas data. Fourth, with a customer service orientation, users expect not to have to work to “figure out” how to navigate and use each site.

Let me describe some of the commitments that PTTC is making to industry to improve its network of 11 Web sites to fulfill these expectations. It should be interesting to see how the network evolves in the coming months.

From its inception, PTTC has rightly had a strong regional focus. Independents in different regions needed different information, so content, which influences Web site structure, varies by region. Various individuals, from graduate students to Web professionals, have been involved in developing the sites.

Not surprisingly, each site now has a unique structure and content. Uniqueness is great, but PTTC recognizes that producers may operate in several regions, they have common expectations from PTTC, and there are accepted conventions for how different things, such as links, are displayed. Without sacrificing regional character, PTTC is committing itself to improving consistency and making the sites more user friendly, which increases their value.

Standardized terminology is one aspect of consistency. To improve consistency within PTTC’s Web site network, the Web sites will soon include a common button/link to “Tech Info.” Within this area, users will find case studies, reports, publications, maps, workshop summaries, technology articles from newsletters, etc.

Another common button will be an “O&G Data” button. In this section, one would find actual online databases, links to online databases, or descriptions of databases not yet online. Example data to be found includes drilling permits, well/completion reports, production information, logs, seismic permits, or other pertinent oil and gas information. The regional sites will not have the same databases because of differences in availability and ease of capture on the Web, but one will know where to look for those that are available. And one will know where to find similar data in other regions.

PTTC prides itself on making connections, with connections to upcoming technically-oriented events being one of the more important. This includes both events which PTTC is sponsoring and events scheduled by others. Although accomplished to some degree now, PTTC is committing to more comprehensive coverage. For PTTC events, which will be readily identifiable, there will be links to workshop information and online registration where possible. For other’s events, contact information and/or links will be provided.

PTTC stands ready to make technology connections when responding to technical inquiries, either in person or by providing tools for individuals to search the Internet directly. There are two key concepts when one conducts a technology search. First, the search must be timely. What once took days must now be accomplished in minutes or hours. Second, one must have confidence that available relevant information has been identified, yet one doesn’t want to sift through a lot of chaff to find the wheat.

In its chosen upstream technology realm, PTTC is developing an Internet search network that will encompass proven information sources,  covering research and development, but especially focusing on bottom-line field and economic performance. Experienced geoscientists working with oil and gas information specialists will define the sources to be searched. In effect, they will be creating an industry-specific search engine. Unique PTTC contributions will be a “search the PTTC network” and a searchable database of past workshops. If you have found an information resource particularly useful in your searches, let PTTC know. Let us work together to build the search network that will deliver the results to benefit the industry.