Belllanet Evaluation: Review of activities and outcomes 1997-2002

Bellanet was created in 1995, as an International Secretariat housed IDRC, by a consortium of international agencies that recognised the need for better coordination and collaboration within the development community. Bellanet has learned that people and processes, not technology, were the key to successful collaboration and the effective use of ICTs within the development context. From Bellanet's early beginnings, it learned that technologies should be simple, accessible, and based on open technical standards.

As Bellanet moved into its second phase (2000-04), awareness among development partners about ICTs and their application was increasing. Bellanet made strategic decisions to focus more energy on the dynamics of collaborative processes, learning and knowledge sharing, and a move toward increased direct engagement with Southern partners. Successful initiatives in training for development, workspace collaboration, open standards, and knowledge management have attracted strategic partners.