A key part of any Web 2.0 strategy is integration with one or more online social networking services (such as Facebook or MySpace). The foundation for these services is that they provide a pre-existing network of people, along with specific information about the connections between them.

This means today’s organizations no longer need to build their own social networks. Millions of users are already connected, and companies can benefit from those existing relationships immediately. Plus, the major social networking services offer integration platforms that allow third party applications to leverage their networks.

Businesses that integrate with a social networking service platform can maximize these consumer relationships in several ways:

• Provide an online “place” for users
• Build brand loyalty among members of the network
• Keep users engaged with new information about their friends and your brand
• Develop social advertising based on user-indicated preferences
• Develop applications that integrate the social network with traditional eCommerce functionality (i.e. interactive catalogs) 

Credera’s Social Technology services include:

• Social Strategy: We’ll help you create a Social Strategy based on your business goals, then leverage the right services, platforms, and other social network opportunities accordingly.
• Social Application Design: With a Social Strategy in place, our consultants will help you define specific requirements, develop wireframes and/or mock-ups, and determine the appropriate integration points.
• Social Application Development: Credera uses leading social networking integration technologies such as Facebook Platform to quickly develop the applications you need.

Since Credera relies on an agile development methodology, Social Technology projects can take as little as 3 weeks. That way, you we build on early successes as we develop future iterations.