Enterprise 2.0 Study: German companies are experimenting successfully with Web 2.0 technologies, but are missing out on opportunities to increase efficiency

CoreMedia and Berlecon Research present a new report on Enterprise 2.0 in Germany

Berlin/Hamburg, November 7, 2007 – CoreMedia and Berlecon Research publish their new report on “Enterprise 2.0 in Germany”, which focuses on the use of Web 2.0 technologies in the enterprise (Enterprise 2.0) by German companies in knowledge-intensive industries. Sören Stamer, CEO and co-founder of CoreMedia, was joined by Nicole Dufft, Managing Director of Berlecon Research GmbH, in presenting the results of the study for the first time at the Web 2.0 Expo in Berlin.

One of the key findings of this definitive study is that technologies such as wikis, blogs or social bookmarking are not shared between departments in over 90 % of the cases, nor implemented company-wide (in as many as 95 % of the cases). Yet without the provision of a company-wide knowledge network, the collective knowledge ends up wasted and the full potential of Enterprise 2.0 applications thus remains largely untapped. “’Knowledge silos’ are continually created, which impede the efficient utilization of information,” comments Sören Stamer, CEO and co-founder of CoreMedia. "Yet companies today can already reap the benefits of Web 2.0 technologies to a much greater extent than they do.” Our own experience has shown us that networked communication between colleagues, customers and partners is a fundamental requirement for success within dynamic markets.”

Although about half of senior specialist staff acknowledge the relevance of Web 2.0 for everyday business they remain unclear about its real benefit for the company itself. “Sooner or later, companies will be forced to define new ways of collaboration and knowledge/information exchange using Web 2.0 tools, in order to keep abreast of the increasing demand for improved communication,” adds Nicole Dufft, Managing Director of Berlecon Research GmbH.

The study makes it clear that the current levels of company IT provision are not meeting the new requirements that staff have for their communication and networking. Nearly 90 % of the interviewees stated that there is an increased demand for efficient collaboration and the exchange of knowledge. However this demand is often not adequately met by company IT.

“The results show unmistakably that there is great potential for company-wide communication platforms designed for the implementation of Enterprise 2.0 strategies,” continues Sören Stamer. “At the same time we can identify a huge lack of awareness in most German companies today about the great benefits to be enjoyed from the use of Web 2.0 technologies. Yet in my opinion it is precisely this awareness that will be a crucial factor for the future success of many companies.”

The Berlecon study “Enterprise 2.0 in Germany”, commissioned by CoreMedia, is based on a representative survey concerning the use and evaluation of Web 2.0 in German companies. A total of 156 companies were interviewed, each employing more than 100 members of staff. Companies were taken from knowledge-intensive industries, and divided into large and medium-sized enterprises.