Google + for communications

Google + has passed the 20 million user mark in less than 3 weeks, which is pretty awesome.

While google said that it didn't see businesses using it, some companies that are quite sophisticated in their use of social technologies, such as Ford, are already using Google+ as a business tool. In a nifty way, Ford is using the 'hang out' multiple user video call function to hold live chats with execs.

I can see companies quickly using the other functions to help their communications efforts. For example, Circles, the friend grouping function, could be used for getting useful information out to targeted groups of journalists and bloggers.

Google says a corporate version of google + is coming out later in the year. Can't wait:)

IBM software links social media to compliance

This announcement from IBM could be interesting for pharma and financial services - if Actiance Vantage does what it says on the tin. The new product promises to bring social media data into compliance programs - which will be great as I reckon it will help those companies nervous about using social media due to compliance issues.

However, I'm intrigued to see how it will work. Will it bring in conversations from third parties? If so, will this be a good thing for pharma as will any mention count as an Adverse Incident Report?

Or will it just integrate data from owned social media properties? If so, I guess it will make life easier and perhaps remove a few barriers. I'll be very interested to see if/how it brings in data from Facebook.

When I find out, I'll update this post.