Reflection of reading 8 predictions for Enterprise Web 2.0 in 2009
AFTER read the ZDNET’s article 8 predictions for Enterprise Web 2.0 in 2009, I have some thoughts of it.
The article points out that the enterprises (finally) try to adopt the concept of Web 2.0 into the employees’ computer. This is the trend of 2009, and the trend is the ability of gathering people to the enterprise.
I will briefly describe the 8 predictions and followed by my opinions:
- Tight budgets will drive the adoption of low-cost Web 2.0 and cloud/SaaS solutions.
This means that the small SaaS (Software as a Service) vendors will have more chances to promote. According to this article, it deems that under the consideration of cost, the enterprises may not continue to use the huge IT multinationals’ services such as IBM and Oracle. The enterprises will try to seek the low-cost SaaS vendors which are demand-based. However, the article also points out that the enterprises may return to the huge multinational and find their value, because the enterprises probably saw a variety of services. In my opinion, this statement seems easy to say but difficult to be came true, because the enterprise owners normally do not understand Web 2.0. Although the enterprises would like to explore the small SaaS vendors and to use Web 2.0, they do not know how to find the suitable SaaS vendors. On the other hand, the small Saas vendors lack budget to do the marketing, and they can never meet the huge multinationals. So I think ZDNET may indicate that 2009 will be a good chance for the advisers and System Integrator (SI) companies to explore the great SaaS vendors. - Online community and 2.0 technologies become a priority for most organisations.
The enterprises have set community and Web 2.0 to the top priority in 2009, especially aim at Customer Relationship Management (CRM). The article mentions about ‘Web 2.0 customer service’, and I see many companies and dot com websites simply deploy a forum as the online customer service. I think this part should be considered more about how to enhance ‘the customers answer to the customers’ rates. Because to deploy a forum is very easy, once a user posts a complaint entry, other users may reply and answer the solution. The problem may be resolved before a regular customer service staff to solve it. Therefore, to build a great Web 2.0 customer service system will be valuable to the huge call centre or helpdesk companies. - Cloud computing will remain one of he biggest new Internet developments.
The article deems that cloud computing is no longer a jargon, the new technologies and products are constantly developed . I think cloud computing is already a new way which enterprises cannot neglect it. - Internal use of 2.0 will continue growth in large enterprise while the struggle continues with market-facing 2.0 products.
ZDNET has observed that enterprises have raised more attentions on the internal use of Web 2.0 in 2008. It mentions that the huge IT multinationals haven’t built successful products as other small SaaS vendors. Nevertheless,the huge multinationals attempt to use Web 2.0, is it necessary to build Web 2.0 tools by themselves? The multinationals can simply use the current tools. I agree with this statement, however it is essential to deeply understand the internal use of Web 2.0. It may start from the IT department, they shall get familiar with the tools and understand how to use the tools for the enterprise. Thus, encourage other employees to use the tools, then everyone is able to use the Web 2.0 tools. - The economic climate will at long last drive major advantages towards aligning IT with business.
This means the enterprises will be forced to adjust the IT deployment due to cost down. For example, the enterprises may seek the IT outsourcing as a solution. - Mobile platforms and devices will become highly strategic in 2009.
ZDNET thinks that the enterprises will increasingly rely on the mobile platforms for communications. And the desktop platforms may become a backup purpose. - SOA goes on a diet, picks up some new tricks, and survives.
The article predicts that Software-Oriented Architecture) will have a significant change such as integration, but it doesn’t specify what kinds of integration. - The massive changes in the business landscape create new 2.0 business opportunities.
Many online businesses may transform from 1.0 to 2.0.
It is almost the end of 2009, so how many predications above are came true? I don’t know either, but we have to confess that we spend more time to do things about Web 2.0, for instance Facebooking, blogging, twittering and watching video via Youtube. I didn’t say that Web 2.0 tools may reduce the work efficiency, but a enterprise owner would probably like to provide Web 2.0 tools which can increase the work efficiency for the employees to do their work.
Enterprise 2.0 may be starting to consume our working time, but we are still using Web 2.0 after work.
