Open by Default

At Released, we use Confluence to power our business knowledge. Everything that's more than a quick conversation goes into Confluence.

Operation manuals, HR policies, engineering documents, product requirements, marketing plans, and even this blog post was first drafted in Confluence. The best part, all this information is accessible to everyone in the company.

Open by Default

One of the most revolutionary innovations in Confluence was its open-by-default philosophy.Although other products have now adopted this philosophy, Confluence was the first to embrace an open-by-default approach.

Back then, it was all about files, which are private by default. Later products like Dropbox and Google Docs emerged. However, both remained file-based and therefore private by default.

Confluence, on the other hand, is open by default. Locking down information is explicit and an extra step. Though it may seem like a minor difference, it has a significant impact on an organization. Here are some examples of how an open-by-default approach can transform an organization:

1. Enhanced Collaboration

In a traditional file-based approach, team members may not have access to the latest documents or information, leading to delays and miscommunication. With Confluence's open-by-default approach, everyone in the organization has access to the latest information, fostering seamless collaboration and reducing the need for constant updates and approvals.

2. Increased Transparency

Critical information and decisions are often siloed within specific teams or departments, making it difficult for others to understand the full context or rationale. An open-by-default system ensures that all relevant information is accessible to everyone, promoting transparency and trust across the organization. This can lead to better-informed decisions and a more cohesive organizational culture.

3. Faster Onboarding

New employees often spend a significant amount of time requesting access to various documents and systems, hindering their ability to quickly get up to speed. With an open-by-default approach, new hires have immediate access to the resources they need, accelerating the onboarding process and enabling them to contribute more quickly.

4. Improved Knowledge Sharing

Valuable insights and expertise can be trapped within individual teams or even individual employees, making it difficult for others to benefit from this knowledge. Confluence's open-by-default philosophy encourages the sharing of knowledge across the organization, ensuring that everyone can learn from each other's experiences and expertise.

5. Reduced Duplication of Effort

Teams might unknowingly work on similar projects or tasks, leading to wasted resources and duplicated efforts. With open access to information, teams can easily see what others are working on, allowing for better coordination and collaboration, and minimizing redundant work.

6. Empowered Employees

Employees may feel restricted by the lack of access to information, limiting their ability to take initiative or make informed decisions. An open-by-default environment empowers employees by providing them with the information they need to take ownership of their work and make proactive decisions.

7. Enhanced Innovation

Innovation can be stifled when ideas and information are locked away in silos, making it difficult for new concepts to gain traction. By making information readily available, Confluence encourages a culture of innovation, where ideas can be freely shared, built upon, and brought to fruition.

The open-by-default approach is why we are building Released. By sharing release notes and roadmaps with both internal teams and customers, we enable better alignment, transparency, and ensure that everyone is informed and on the same page.