Just last month my work blocked Facebook. MySpace and YouTube were the first to go; probably over two years ago, now Facebook is the latest victim to get the axe. I can understand why a company would want to block social networking sites. For one reason, the use of these sites probably has a direct correlation to employee productivity…in a negative way. Second, malicious software can be unknowingly downloaded onto the company’s servers through social networking sites. However, in today’s technology-driven environment many companies have a legitimate business need for sites like LinkedIn or Facebook. A company called Aladdin Knowledge Systems has developed a way to allow companies to provide employees with the essential functions of social networking sites, while blocking the potentially hazardous aspects.
The technology is called eSafe AppliFilter and it allows a company to determine which aspects of social networking sites will be available for their employees to access. The purpose of such technology is to reduce the amount of data leaked onto the web and protect the central servers from potentially harmful files. I know that most employees, such as myself, would be much happier with limited access to social networking sites rather than no access at all. This technology will likely be the most popular with recruiting agencies. The HR/recruiting industry has the most obvious need for social networking sites as relating to their job functions.
I imagine that not all employers will have use for a Web 2.0 technology like this one. For example, I work for a financial firm and I’m not really encouraged to visit social networking sites while at work, and for the most part I don’t. I think part of the deterrent comes from the fact that many companies keep a record of every website visited, and I don’t want to have to convince anyone that I’m using Facebook to research markets volatility.
I think the eSafe AppliFilter is a good example of how Web 2.0 technologies are advancing to the next level. We are beginning to surpass the stage of using social networking sites purely for personal use. Now these sites are being integrated into the business world. Aladdin has realized that businesses are accepting Web 2.0 sites as beneficial fixtures for their company, and they have developed a new technology that may bring social networking sites inside more companies in the future.
The technology is called eSafe AppliFilter and it allows a company to determine which aspects of social networking sites will be available for their employees to access. The purpose of such technology is to reduce the amount of data leaked onto the web and protect the central servers from potentially harmful files. I know that most employees, such as myself, would be much happier with limited access to social networking sites rather than no access at all. This technology will likely be the most popular with recruiting agencies. The HR/recruiting industry has the most obvious need for social networking sites as relating to their job functions.
I imagine that not all employers will have use for a Web 2.0 technology like this one. For example, I work for a financial firm and I’m not really encouraged to visit social networking sites while at work, and for the most part I don’t. I think part of the deterrent comes from the fact that many companies keep a record of every website visited, and I don’t want to have to convince anyone that I’m using Facebook to research markets volatility.
I think the eSafe AppliFilter is a good example of how Web 2.0 technologies are advancing to the next level. We are beginning to surpass the stage of using social networking sites purely for personal use. Now these sites are being integrated into the business world. Aladdin has realized that businesses are accepting Web 2.0 sites as beneficial fixtures for their company, and they have developed a new technology that may bring social networking sites inside more companies in the future.
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