IT Departments Growing Relationship with Web 2.0 Tools

With the proliferation of web 2.0 in the enterprise it comes as no surprise that a study from Forrester Research confirms that IT departments are paying more attention to the potential of these tools. Computerworld reported that of the IT professionals that were surveyed by Forrester, 63% have a firm belief that web 2.0 will have a significant impact on their business in the upcoming three years. The study also revealed that younger IT professionals were the most enthusiastic, where as more seasoned professionals were still a little more cautious about adopting these tools. Forrester analyst in charge of the report, G. Oliver Young, made this statement about the findings.

"It is a growing familiarity of the tools up and down the organization. Just a couple of years ago, a lot of these tools were very foreign. IT departments and professionals are increasingly using these tools for their own use."

While there is a tide shifting towards the utilization of web 2.0, IT departments remain concerned about risks associated with employees using the tools in ways not approved by the company. The Forrester Research study stated that 31% of survey participants said they were very concerned about this, and 48% said that they were slightly worried, while 2% said that they were not at all.

Enterprise 2.0 Adoption: One Step at a Time

In a recent post at The Fast Forward blog, James Robertson gives his top five pointers on how to integrate Enterprise 2.0 into your business. The overall theme was to adopt the skills you have and know to this new software that can then enhance your skills.

1. Create a prototype or a pilot: James suggests you start with one group of individuals, and teach them to use this new software. After this group of individuals has taken the E2.0 ideas and their work has improved because of these tools, tell the company about it. Use them as examples to show that this software is worth adapting into your daily routine.

2. Use stories to articulate and capture needs: It’s a way for you to capture the interests of individuals, and at the same time, show them how their needs can be solved by using the software.

3. Build on existing platforms: Everyone in your office knows how to use your company’s intranet, so start with a few tools there. Then, they can be expanded and used in other places.

4. Use case studies from similar organizations: Find other organizations with similar structures and cultures to yours, then use this as an example for your employees.

5. Be passionate about the right thing: Know what problem you need to solve, then use the tools available to get there.

These are James Robertson’s five way to help a smooth transition of E2.0 into your enterprise. What would be your five tips?