Well, here we are. Week 1 of uni has begun, and one of the units I’m taking is INB346 Enterprise 2.0. The idea of the unit is to investigate how new uses of web technologies are affecting businesses, and can be used by businesses to communicate with customers and clients.
I’m a heavy user of web apps, and one of the areas I think needs a lot more consideration is how businesses view and use new tools and opportunities. While I know and accept that there is bound to be resistance due to the need to use proven tools and established workflows, the increased pace of information flow poses an equally as important consideration.
I’m not a fan of the ‘Web 2.0′ or ‘Enterprise 2.0′ terms. It’d be nice to find alternatives, but these terms convey the concepts in a very small space. That said, I’ll make some suggestions as I post more. ‘Communication platform’ for Web 2.0? ‘Equal discussion for business’ for Enterprise 2.0? Not great, but I’ll keep thinking.
Companies can no longer make their own timetables and broadcast a message, and expect customers and clients to go along with it. More and more, the expectation is that a conversation will take place, with all on an even footing. No more black boxes. No more dividers. Companies don’t have to open up about everything. They might remain behind walls, but they aren’t brick any more – now everyone else can look in as they work behind glass walls.
