Social Software
“What is the value of social software to my business? Can it really make a difference to us? Should we spend time looking at this now or should we wait?”
The idea of adopting the use of social software solutions can often create a rift internally within an organisation, with people for and against the idea. It seems to be based on personal opinion and not necessarily based on actual experience from implementing it and using this type of technology as a business tool.
Social software for the corporate world often gets compared with the publically available services on the web – this does not help an organisation to create a business justification and secure budget approval.
However, the reality is that social software for business is here to stay – it will over the next few years become as important to business as email systems are today. Much of the communication internally and externally will be done via social software solutions. Younger generations joining our business today will be expecting and demanding them to work effectively.
Social media networking sites represent a multi-billion community, a huge opportunity for companies to interact with their customers. Those customers are also using the same social media channels to praise or air their grievances about the products and services they receive especially in the business to consumer environment. Banning social networking altogether in the work environment effectively alienates companies from what the marketplace is saying about them and denies them the right to reply and so protect their brand. The questions are many about social software and the value it provides to organisation. The value of social software is in our opinion undisputable – as long as it’s implemented for the right reasons and in a planned way.
LAN2LAN has over the last three years helped many organisations to implement relevant social software solutions, which provides real value to them. Social networking as a business tool must be considered as part of an overall Collaboration strategy, which can be delivered in manageable stages.
LAN2LAN help businesses to reap the following benefits;
- Faster task execution through quick access to information from an expanded professional network
- Increased efficiency and effectiveness of business processes by using existing skills discovered through your professional network
- Sustainable competitive advantage can be created by leveraging innovation from across your value chain and building stronger relationships
- Exchange ideas with, and benefit from, the expertise of other people using Forums and Blogs
- Expand your professional network through social analytics based recommendations for people to connect with, and communities to join
- Build vibrant communities that encourage participation with sub-communities focused on key topics of interest to the members
- Stay informed of the latest updates from across your social network
- Access your social data while on the go
The product we work with in this area is;
- IBM Lotus Connections
- IBM Lotus Sametime
Our senior consultants are more than happy to discuss this further with your team, to help identify how best social software solutions can be used in your business.
To speak to one of our Collaboration & Messaging specialists, please complete the short form below.