Web 2.0: Becoming a Mainstream Business Practice
A few weeks ago I posted about Web 2.0 and Social Media that explained that social media is changing the way company’s can interact with potential customers and employees. The post also examined useful social media tools. Now that we know that Web 2.0 and social media are NOT web trends that will quickly be a thing of the past, but are a force that will continue to change the way companies do business. Web 2.0 is finally emerging as a mainstream player in the corporate business world. Companies are finally using Web 2.0 applications and social networks to spread news, connect, create buzz, interact and socialize with others.
While this lack of control startles upper management, businesses are already becoming aware of these new trends as the next Generation, Gen Y or the “Millennials,” as they are sometimes called, enters the workforce. Many forward-thinking managers have already integrated 2.0 tools both to solve present business problems and also to prepare their workplaces to meet the expectations and, more importantly, best utilize the skills of next-generation employees.
As companies continue and sometimes struggle to adapt to this new trend in order to deal with both their employees and customers, the business of social media consulting has gotten a boost as consultants teach the old school executives how to navigate in the new tech savvy world. And adapt they must because the number of companies who are already integrating Web 2.0 technologies into their businesses processes and I.T. infrastructure is on the rise. A study by Forrester on this topic points to hard numbers that back this up.
In fact, the adoption rate of Web 2.0 technologies by I.T. is actually stronger in enterprises than it is in SMBs, with 42% of enterprise businesses now utilizing Web 2.0 technologies like AJAX, Flash, Flex, etc. to 32% of SMBs. Additionally, there is growth in the areas of Web 2.0 app investing, with a number of companies investing, piloting, or considering investment in Web 2.0 technologies like RSS, podcasting, wikis, and blogs.
Ultimately, companies ignoring this change will be left behind, unable to compete on the new business stage. The numbers don’t lie: your customers have adapted and your competition has adapted - pay no heed to the new changes and prepare to you’re your market share. Does your company need a Web 2.0 crash course or just a Web 2.0 update?? If your business wants to keep up and even win over the the competition, contact us today for a free consultation to see how Ximda can increase your market share and gain a competitive advantage.