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Schwartz c01.tex V3 - 12/26/2008 11:38am Page 11
Chapter 1: Social Computing
Figure 1-6
Social Computing for the Enterprise
Social computing has the capability to enhance and increase productivity in an organization. When
extending an organization’s capabilities around social computing, make sure there are business reasons
that drive the addition of software. It is important to make sure the solution is actually enhancing the
user’s experience and not just creating more work for him or her to maintain.
Some of the common business problems that can be solved will be centered around communication and
collaboration. These two areas are the primary focus of answering questions like ‘‘How will a blog help
me?’’ and ‘‘Why do my developers want a wiki?’’
The two major areas that enterprise social computing provides key values include improved communi-
cation and building collaboration.
Improved Communication
Many companies struggle to get information out to all of their employees in meaningful and fast ways
without creating too much of a burden of time on the individual employee. The improved communication
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