The Guides.co platform is built on a "publish / subscribe" model that improves knowledge mobilization, builds connections between individuals and organizations, and improves distribution - all while improving information tracking and security.

Current document management systems mimic real world limitations of filing cabinets ("drives"), folders, and documents. With this model, shared drives quickly accumulate large numbers of files - many of which are no longer useful or accurate; are organized in inconsistent ways; and use obscure access rights - making shared information systems unwieldy, frustrating to use, and ultimately untrustworthy.

Guides.co removes the restraint of a hierarchical relationship by using "channels" to create a collection of guides accessible to the administrator. Similar to Pinterest pins and boards, a guide can exist in an unlimited number of channels. Channels are curated collections to provide context, not ownership. A "company overview" guide can be simultaneously in the "HR channel", the "Operations" channel, the "Partnership" channel, the "About Us" channel, and the "New employee onboarding" channel. And when the guide is updated, it's updated everywhere. The guides inside a channel can include member-created, private guides and guides made accessible to them by other users and organizations.

Channels can also be embedded on web pages to create dynamic resource centers or through white-labeled, customizable "portals" that can be created on the fly for partners and customers.

Guides.co hubs

Channels exist in "hubs", which are owned by a user or organization. Hubs can create unlimited channels and guides, and subscribe to channels (they have access to). Permissions and access is managed on a hub and channel level (only these people can access our hub or these channels) and on a guide level (private, shared, or public).

This is a major shift in knowledge management - away from disconnected silos of static content to connected, dynamic hubs of curated, live content.

The Guides.co platform enables individuals to build a personalized space with curated content on topics that matter from sources they can trust. It enables organizations to keep their private information secure; share information securely with select partners; publish public information on their website and the Guides network; and subscribe to up-to-date information from their partners, suppliers, and other trusted sources. On a single platform.

Subscribing

Publishing

Increased tracking, security, and accuracy

While Guides.co significantly improves knowledge sharing and mobilization, it also improves content tracking, security, and accuracy.

Most long-form content today is published using PDFs or Microsoft Office formats to optimize design and branding. However, once these static files are downloaded they can be shared with anyone without any ability to know who has access to them.

With guides.co creators and administrators have real-time visibility on the users, channels, and hubs that have access to information and can remove access immediately. This tracking not only improves security and access control, but provides valuable feedback to creators on how and if people are using their content - and in what context - down to each page.

Administrators can also apply rules to guides and channels to keep sensitive information private and manage user access - like employees, partners, and customers - on a global or granular level.

Administrators can also ensure hubs are actively curated through the feedback mechanisms built-in to guides and hub usage monitoring that alerts administrators if content isn't being used.

The guides recommendation engine

Finally, similar to Netflix, the Guides.co platform recommends guides to users, channel administrators, and hub owners based on their interests and usage history. This feature helps individuals and organizations learn about new concepts and processes they may be interested in, expand their network, and increases distribution and reach for publishers.

Platform Comparison

While there are many platforms that organize content, curate content, and publish content, Guides uniquely combines all features into a single platform for individuals and organizations.