Enterprise Software Can Do Better

The main theme discussed in Ross Mayfield’s recent weblog, is that enterprise software still has a long way to go. If asked, most employees would agree that they do not love using enterprise software. It’s clear that usability of enterprise 2.0 applications must improve, but we seem to be ahead of the game with introductions to new models such as Open Source and SaaS. There is a huge demographic shift occurring now in the work place as NetGens replace Baby Boomers; collaboration within the enterprise is vital in Web 2.0 apps, especially during this monumental shift.

I say this time and time again, we are still not there yet in terms of Enterprise 2.0 technology, but we are slowly making progress. Consumers use this technology on a daily basis; it is only a matter of time before we remove this barrier in the enterprise. On that note, I’m going to leave with an interesting yet slightly humorous quote from Ross Mayfield… Enjoy!

“We're also doing a lot of experimentation around social software, which in consumer markets helps get them laid. Enterprise social software can't do that without risk of lawsuits. But it can help people get promoted.”

Google: A New Direction for the Web

When talking about innovativeness in XML and http technology, Google always comes to mind. Google will spend hundreds of millions within the next year to improve their web platform, thus creating a better overall user Web experience. How will this technology compete with Yahoo’s current plans to improve open sourcing software technology?

Vic Gundotra, the new head of Google’s developer programs seems to have an answer:

When competitors adopt the technology, it shows us how we are succeeding. The difference from the past is that companies competed by attracting developers to their proprietary platforms. For Google and others, the Web is the platform and no one owns it.

Is Google in a position to set direction for the Web? Read all about it in Dan Farber’s blog on ZDNet. It’s a must read…