IDC Research Highlights Advantages of Driving Business with Web 2.0

WorkLight's Secure Enterprise Technology Allows Companies to Apply Their Existing Authorisation Policies

(18.07.08) - A Financial Times feature by IDC analysts on the virtues of companies embracing Web 2.0 technology is spot on, says WorkLight, as firms drive business and customer engagement using sites such as Facebook, iGoogle, and others.

The Web 2.0 Company says that IDC's assertion that firms of all types are using blogs, wikis and social networking sites to interface with their customers and other businesses, is a valid one. Research firm IDC’s analysis revealed that 36 percent of enterprise Web sites are already using this technology, and a further 27 percent of firms expect to embrace it in the next 12 months.

"The B2B and B2C advantages of using Web 2.0 technology are well-documented, and can significantly raise the profile - as well as the revenues - of most companies," said David Lavenda, WorkLight's vice president of marketing and product strategy.

"Moreover, engaging customers using social networking websites can have a positive impact on the way products and services are received. It is important however that trusted customers and authenticated partners access these Web 2.0 tools without posing a serious security threat to corporate data," he added.

According to Lavenda, using a secure environment to access Web 2.0 services improves both marketing efforts and helps to drive revenues, ensuring more effective communication channels with third-party companies, partners, resellers and, of course, customers.

WorkLight's secure enterprise technology allows companies to apply their existing authorisation policies on data and services to any popular consumer Web 2.0 front-end environment.

"The WorkLight technology also engenders a self-service system for partners, alumni, customers and staff to enjoy, and one that complies with corporate governance guidelines. This is particularly important given the emergent Web 2.0 security threats, such as cross-site scripting and cross-site request forgery," he said.

For more on the FT Web 2.0 feature: http://tinyurl.com/5q3d2b

(WorkLight: ra)