Socialtext launches microblogging appliance

Socialtext has been busy this year launching a string of new initiatives including a free version of their platform [1] for up to 50 people, a new social spreadsheet application created with the help of spreadsheet pioneer Dan Bricklin and a microblogging application [2]. This week, they released a new microblogging appliance [3] that, according to their blog post for the new product, provides "rapid secure Intranet deployment of microblogging and social networking at a low cost."

At Enterprise 2.0 [4] last month, there were many companies trying to get people interested in microblogging inside the enterprise. Companies have concerns about using open social networks like Twitter and Facebook to discuss internal company business and enterprise microblogging tools like this one provide a way for companies to partake in this type of social networking in a secure and controlled environment. Although Socialtext released its own microblogging platform earlier this year by offering customers a stand-alone appliance they appear to making a run at pure-play vendors like Yammer [5].

While this type of internal communication is becoming more commonplace, providing an appliance delivers an out-of-the-box solution in a format that IT departments will be comfortable implementing. Companies can implement it entirely themselves or take advantage of the hosted service with free automatic monthly upgrades. Socialtext also provides an easy upgrade to the complete Socialtext package.

For more information:
- see the Socialtext blog post [6] announcing the new appliance.

Related Articles:
Socialtext releases free version for up to 50 people [1]
Socialtext Signals brings microblogging to the enterprise [2]
One on One with Ross Mayfield of Socialtext [7]