Web 2.0 in the Enterprise: From Hype to Impact

by Stephen J. Andriole

This Executive Report describes applied research that is intended to help readers understand and measure the impact of the deployment of technologies commonly referred to as Web 2.0. These technologies include wikis, blogs, podcasts, folksonomies, mashups, social networks, virtual worlds, and RSS filters. As global competition increases and as innovation itself becomes increasingly decentralized, the mantra to "work smarter, not harder" is more relevant than ever. Web 2.0 technologies, if deployed properly, may permit companies to increase their productivity cost-effectively and, ultimately, improve their competitive advantage. This report analyzes the results of interview and observation data collected to measure the impact that Web 2.0 technologies are having in selected companies and industries. It also describes the results of structured interviews with, and direct observation of, companies interested in understanding the deployment of Web 2.0 technologies and the impact the technologies are having on productivity and management.