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07 Jul 2008
Businesses and organisations risk losing their competitive edge if they fail to adopt web 2.0 technologies, according to new research.
However, firms face critical issues around privacy and information security, and possible legal action, if they adopt web 2.0 technologies without thinking through the risks.
Web 2.0 is a catch-all term for making websites as interactive as possible. Among the best known examples are Facebook, YouTube and Flickr.
Independent consultancy IT Governance noted that all manner of companies are starting to adopt web 2.0 by encouraging employee blogs, customer forums, greater use of multi-media content and self-created wikis.
IT Governance warned that firms that do not use these strategies to engage with customers, partners, suppliers and employees risk jeopardising these relationships and wasting the technology's competitive potential.
However, companies rushing into web 2.0 need to consider how empowering their employees, or inviting more outside comment on their sites, could lead to litigation or other privacy and data protection problems.
The need for clear thinking about the right way to move to web 2.0 is highlighted by a recent survey by IT Governance, which showed that over 40 per cent of respondents use web 2.0 sites for more than an hour a day, a markedly higher proportion in the 'Generation Y' (16 to 25 year-old) demographic.
The message is that smarter organisations will adopt and adapt web 2.0 technologies while safeguarding themselves against risks such as breach of privacy, financial costs and security and regulatory compliance.
Doing this will enable them to offer staff and customers a more information-rich and agile way of working and operating at less risk.
Alan Calder, chief executive of IT Governance, said: "Company leaders have for too long been burying their heads in the sand when it comes to the importance of social networking.
"Web 2.0 is now a business reality, and CEOs need to get a proper understanding of its risks and benefits so as not to miss out on the opportunity."
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Tackle the challenges and move ahead
Web has changed dramatically, alongwith the security challenges it faces. Organizations of all sizes need to take steps to ensure that its security addresses today's challenges. In some ways IT administrators are being lulled into a false sense of security, because their networks are not being openly attacked and going down as once happened. The reason is that malware writers want the network to stay up so that infected desktops can communicate their secrets back to unauthorized servers. In short, they want to maximize their control over a network without giving away clues that they are there. One of the major reasons behind orgaizations' reluctance in embracing web 2.0 is data leakage. However, a study by Forrester Research reveals that more than 70% of all data leaks are accidental. With email autofill for the intended recipient on nearly every computer, it is easy to see how accidental emails get sent out of the corporation. Organizations should engage in a two-pronged approach combining training and education, with information leak prevention technology. Employees need to know and understand their companies' corporate policies.
Posted by: vineet 11 Jul 2008
Web 2.0 expediting business relationships and more
Could not agree more with Andy. Web 2.0 technologies are enabling direct connection and collaboration in a way that companies simply cannot ignore. I already hear about companies winding down their telesales activities to engage with new customers through social networks. It's also a great way of building relationships within companies, as well as out to existing and potential suppliers. It's not only large enterprises that can benefit either. Ian Hendry
Posted by: Ian Hendry 08 Jul 2008