Adding Organizational Value to SEC Using Social Computing Tools

Social computing tools have seen a significant increase in popularity and are the foundation behind the Web 2.0 movement. The Department of Defense has recognized its importance and has begun to implement measures to utilize this technology while maintaining strict security. Social computing tools like social networking sites, blogs, podcasts, and virtual worlds are being used by both private and public entities to add enterprise value. These tools are used internally to increase employee collaboration, and externally to attract customers and increase organizational visibility. The implementation of a public blog and RSS feeds are the best starting point for Software Engineering Center (SEC) to begin use of social media to promote its enterprise. These tools can be used to increase visibility and attract new customers. They will be posted by a single individual to ensure security and organization. Once processes have been established in social computing within the organization, SEC may chose to begin active use of the milSuite applications. These tools were created specifically for DoD use and are behind the firewall to ensure security. These applications can be used to promote SEC internally and to foster collaboration amongst employees. Once the use of these tools has been established, SEC might consider exploring their external equivalents, like Facebook. Social computing tools and Web 2.0 technologies could prove to be an asset to the Software Engineering Center enterprise. SEC might consider implementing these tools and allowing employees to take ownership of the content. While it may be difficult to measure the tangible benefits of using these tools, the intangible will be discovered if and when employees buy in to the world of Web 2.0 in the workplace.