12 Microblogging Tools to Consider

CIO — If you're thinking about implementing a microblogging effort for your workplace, here are 12 tools to consider. (For more on the microblogging trend and why more businesses are hopping aboard, see our related story: "Twitter Alternatives That Are All Business".

1. Co-op: Allows you to post updates, ask questions, share links and track time. This tool also offers the ability to share your daily agenda with coworkers and enables you to search the transcript for old information. Tool is free.

2. Cyn.in: Combines collaboration tools such as wikis, social networks, blogs, file sharing repositories, microblogs and discussion boards into a secure enterprise platform. Free and paid accounts available.

3. Jaiku: Similar to Twitter but supported by Google. Updates can be posted via Web, instant message and SMS, as well as through third-party applications built by other developers. Tool is free.

4. Obayoo: Allows you to create a private and secure network for your company. Features include archiving messages, creating groups and inviting people related to your work, perhapsclients and contractors, to participate in discussions. Tool is free.

5. Present.ly: Features include creating groups for each project or topic of discussion; sharing documents, video and audio clips. Can be accessed via computer or mobile phone. Tool is free.

6. Sharetronix: Open-source software that allows updates of 160 characters or less. Features include bookmarking favorite posts, sending users direct messages and adding up to 10 tags to describe the user's interests, hobbies, profession, etc. Tool is free.

7. Snipia: Capabilities include creating project groups, assigning and updating tasks to group members, posting Twitter-like status updates, and uploading and sharing files with your team members. Tool is free.

8. Socialcast: Features include public and private groups, e-mail integration, custom filters, user profiles and analytics that provide insight into the people, connections and information sharing occurring in your Socialcast community. Free and paid accounts available.

9. Socialtext: Accessible via browser, mobile device or an Adobe AIR desktop application. Features include a wiki, social networking profiles and activity streams. Free for up to 50 members.

10. StatusNet: Enables incorporation of micromessaging into a business's own Web domain. Features include file sharing, groups, plug-ins and apps, customizable themes, and desktop and mobile access. Support costs extra.

11. WorkSimple: Offers users a personalized dashboard that displays upcoming commitments, tracks deliverables and highlights assignments; social profiles that showcase skills and peer recommendations; and performance profiles that capture employee performance, accomplishments and reviews. Free and paid accounts available.

12. Yammer: Private and secure. Incorporates microblogging, a company social network, discussion board, search capability, groups and can be accessed via desktop, mobile phone, instant messaging, e-mail or SMS. Free and paid accounts available.

Staff Writer Kristin Burnham covers consumer Web and social technologies for CIO.com. She writes frequently on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Google. You can follow her on Twitter: @kmburnham.