Social, Mobile Go Hand-in-Hand

 

Carter also noted that social and mobile tend to go hand-in-hand and cited research that indicates that 68 percent of social networking activity happens on mobile devices. In August 2011, IBM announced new software, including a new IBM Connections app, designed to help organizations embrace social networking using a broad range of mobile devices.

"Mobile will be a huge game changer in 2012," Carter said.

Meanwhile, going further on the educational front, IBM and San Jose State University (SJSU) announced a collaborative effort to help students turn their social networking savvy into business-ready skills to prepare for the jobs of the future. This new academic program provides students with the opportunity to deepen technical and business skills in the emerging arena of social business.

IBM said the goals of the partnership are to help students:

• Understand the tenets of a smarter social business through the use of social networking software;
• Build business skills and real-world experience by assessing the social business capabilities and business challenges of an IBM partner organization;
• Develop teamwork and collaboration skills;
• Better understand how to use IBM social networking technologies; and
• Deepen relationships between faculty, students, IBM and IBM business partners.

Led by professor Larry Gee, SJSU students assess the social networking capabilities of an IBM Business Partner organization as a way of learning about the characteristics of a social business while helping to apply social networking technologies to business operations for more efficient collaboration and faster innovation, IBM said. As part of their coursework, the students are mentored by IBM experts and learn about internal and external use of social business solutions.

"Today's students are already social savvy in their personal lives," Gee, a professor at SJSU's College of Business, said in a statement. "However it's vital for them to be able to apply these skills to business and differentiate themselves as they enter a tough job market. Through the use of IBM technology and experienced mentors, our students will join the corporate world prepared to compete."

"IBM and San Jose State University have a long-standing relationship, founded on our deep commitment to preparing students with the skills needed to become successful business leaders," said Jim Corgel, general manager of Academic Programs at IBM, in a statement. "There's no disputing that social business has become a necessary component in today's business strategy and the skills that go along with social business are in high demand. With SJSU, we are taking the next step in ensuring students are prepared to use social business technology to create business value, and solve complex business challenges quickly and efficiently."

 Alison Diana contributed to this report.