I recently wrote about about "Why Companies Need Web 2.0" and it now appears that the we have a real life example of how this can be used. I say appears because the company in question, ExxonMobil, denies that they are using it.
The Houston Chronicle reports "Exxon Mobil says it's not behind Twitter account". It seems that someone named "Janet" claiming to be from ExxonMobil in Irving, Texas has been using Twitter to communicate the company's message by pointing out the company's philanthropic efforts, explaining polices and answering questions. Up to this point there does not appear to be any effort by "Janet" to discredit ExxonMobil.
However, ExxonMobil says this is not being done by anyone there and wasn't even aware of it until the Chronicle called and asked about.
Perhaps this is a well executed hoax or maybe as so often happens in large companies the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.
Regardless of whether or not this is legitimate it does illustrate how technologies like Twitter can be used in the corporate world. If it is a hoax maybe it will have the side benefit of stirring the corporate world to take a look at the possibilities that these technologies offer. I'm sure that someone will point out the dangers of Web 2.0 and how difficult it is to control etc. While security issues are important they should be viewed not as a roadblocks but an obstacles to be addressed and overcome.
How are you using Web 2.0?
"pegasus" photo by orionoir
If this topic was of interest, you might also like these:
- Why Companies Need Web 2.0
- James P. MacLennan on Finally! Relevant Applications for YouTube and Twitter in the Enterprise!
- Houston Chronicle TechBlog article On the Internet, nobody knows you're not Exxon Mobil
- Or the posts in the "Strategy & Management" category.
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