Business Writing
Feasibility Report Excerpt
Technical Background
Social Networking Services (SNS)
Social networking services provide a resource for individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations to build communities based on common interests. The primary difference between SNS and websites is the ability to build communities, encourage active participation, and provide various ways of interaction in one medium. SNS also provide applications for communication and fundraising.
Web 2.0
Social Networking Services would be extremely limited without the technology of Web 2.0. Web 2.0 is a term describing a philosophy or trend of viewing the web as a source of dynamic, engaging and interactive information, as opposed to the static web pages with only textual information. Examples of Web 2.0 are the use of video (YouTube), social networks (Facebook), and personalized communication (Blogs and RSS). Using Web 2.0 tools, businesses and non profits use their web presence to build communities, engage their readers, and encourage collaboration.
Facebook began as a local website for Harvard University students to interact with their friends. Within 1 year, its popularity spawned a national demand. Until recently it was only available for college students, however in 2006 it became available to anyone above the age of 13, including businesses and nonprofit organizations. With over 60 million active users, it is safe to say that Facebook is rapidly becoming the most popular social network. It is the second largest social network in the US, following Myspace, and is the primary network for 18-24 year olds. Facebook boasts a clean, user-friendly interface while also offering a host of third-party applications for various categories including event management, file sharing and fundraising. Additionally, Facebook offers useful features for groups and corporations, such as the ability to create ads. Corporations are quickly recognizing Facebookâs success and potential. Recent investors and partners include Microsoft, Research In Motion, and Google.
The following statistics were reported from Facebook.com:
Sixth-most trafficked site in the United States
More than 65 million active users
More than half of active users return daily
Over 55,000 regional, work-related, collegiate, and high school networks
85 percent of FB market share is attributed to 4-year universities in the U.S.
More than half of Facebook users are outside of college
The fastest growing demographic is those 25 years old and older
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