Grey Convergence

What is Social Networking?

Social networking is about connecting people, sharing ideas, collaborating and becoming friends. Historically we have found ways to build networks using whatever resources available. Recent developments in social networking technology enables transcending the usual physical/geographic boundaries and time zones. And the trend is growing!

Social Networking for Organisations

The internet allows social networks unlimited potential; organisations can create unique and separate networks around interests, likes, dislikes, concepts, etc. Online social networking allows people to be more connected than ever before, enhancing workers' offline lives and work environment. Coupled with a clear strategy these networks are used to promote ideas and ease communications. Its natural transparency means social networks tend to increase interaction, stimulate ambitions, conscientiousness and self-discipline.

Microsoft Office SharePoint Server helps organisations with features that enable social networking and collaboration. For more information on SharePoint see our Collaboration page.

What is Newsgator?

NewsGator makes SharePoint even more social. NewsGator Social Sites for SharePoint 2007 or 2010 delivers leading enterprise collaboration solutions for organisations, helping to overcome business challenges by providing an integrated social computing platform that supports collaboration, facilitates communication and improves worker knowledge.

• Microblogging: securely communicate, collaborate and locate knowledge wherever you are working.

• Activity Streams: keep track what colleagues are working on.

• Rich Clients: keep connected via email integration, mobile and desktop clients.

• Ideas: gather, evaluate and prioritize ideas. Promote bottom-up input and novelty.

• Knowledge Explorer: find subject matter experts and manage knowledge efficiently.

• Communities: whether for projects, common interest or anything in between, communities allow workers to share information to the relevant people. Maintain focus while promoting engagement and participation.

• Social Profiles: build and maintain personal information - contributions, expertise, projects, interests and more. Allow workers to highlight their unique strengths and experiences. Find people based on their profile information.

• Advanced RSS: transform the way information is consumed. Secure feeds from sites, blogs, wikis, external sites and more: deliver information to where workers need them.

For more information please see our NewsGator page.