Yesterday I was talking about the new Open Social platform that would allow developers to create applications once to be used on several networks. One of the companies mentioned was Ning, one that not many people have heard of. The company provides people, and businesses, with the ability to start their own social networks, and with their being a part of the Open Social system, these networks could soon be as good as any large scale operation.
So, why should you start your own social network? Come up with a niche that hasn’t been filled, and it could become a great marketing tool for your company. Even if you’re in manufacturing, set something up for your vendors to talk to each other an it will build good will with everyone you work with.
Yes, there are other white label social networking solutions out there, but with Ning joining the Open Social movement, it’ll be hard to say “no” to them. There will be people developing apps for the platform, and due to Ning’s involvement, you will be able to use them. And, again, if you develop your own app, it could be used on your network, and all the other’s in the group.
Social networking could get very interesting very soon.
