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Enterprise Social Networking (ESN) Growth Strong Despite Tough Economy

Inward-Facing ESN Sales to Exceed $1 Billion by 2012

In his first Wainhouse Research publication, long-time industry analyst William F. Zachmann identifies two distinct enterprise social networking platforms as inward-facing, those used by a known set of individuals such as employees, and outward-facing, those used by an open ended population. As the name would suggest, "Enterprise Social Networking 2009 Vol. I - Inward-Facing ESN Software Market" focuses on inward-facing platforms and reports that despite a down economy, sales of these ESN platforms rose 29% in 2008 and will grow another 26% in 2009. "Tough times require greater productivity while drastically cutting travel and other expenses," said Zachmann, WR ESN Practice Manager, "and inward-facing ESN platforms do all of the above!"

The Wainhouse study includes fundamental analysis of inward-facing enterprise social networking platforms, current market sizing and five-year forecasts, and profiles of key vendors and their products. It provides succinct, targeted assessments of major ESN platforms that are as essential for user organizations deciding which product to use as they are for vendors or investors doing their competitive analysis or due diligence.

The report's most startling and controversial prediction is that "Late in the forecast period a shift from the 2D Web browser page metaphor to a 3D virtual reality space... will have a dramatic impact not only on ESN, but on collaboration, web based communications, and other platforms as well." Noting the inclusion of a 3D VR capability in IBM's Lotus Live Sametime, Zachmann says: "The single greatest innovation in ESN over the next decade will be the move from two-dimensional browser interfaces to three-dimensional virtual reality 'places' of the sort pioneered by Linden Research, but in a multi-provider open-source multiverse. This is going to be huge!"

"The Enterprise Social Networking 2009 Vol. I" is the first in a series of two volumes. "Volume II," scheduled for release in the second quarter of this year, examines outward-facing ESN platforms built to target an open ended population of customers, prospects, readers, etc. For more information on either of these studies, please visit www.wainhouse.com/reports or contact Client Services Manager Sara Fargo at sfargo@wainhouse.com or +1 781 934 6165.

Wainhouse Research provides insight and intelligence into the global markets for audio, web (data), and video conferencing, real-time Unified Communications, enterprise streaming and webcasting, and enterprise social networking. The company publishes public and private studies, speaks at industry events and private company events, and provides strategic consulting to both industry vendors and end user organizations. Wainhouse Research conferences in the US and Europe provide a forum for the industry to discuss critical issues for industry growth. For more information please visit www.wainhouse.com.