Showing papers on "Enterprise systems engineering published in 2010"

A multi-project model of key factors affecting organizational benefits from enterprise systems

Abstract: This paper develops a long-term, multi-project model of factors affecting organizational benefits from enterprise systems (ES), then reports a preliminary test of the model. In the shorter-term half of the model, it is hypothesized that once a system has gone live, two factors, namely functional fit and overcoming organizational inertia, drive organizational benefits flowing from each major ES improvement project. The importance of these factors may vary from project to project. In the long-term half of the model, it is hypothesized that four additional factors, namely integration, process optimization, improved access to information, and on-going major ES business improvement projects, drive organizational benefits from ES over the long term. Preliminary tests of the model were conducted using data from 126 customer presentations from SAP's 2003 and 2005 Sapphire U.S. conferences. All six factors were found to be important in explaining variance in organizational benefits from enterprise systems from the perspective of senior management.

Cloudward bound: planning for beneficial migration of enterprise applications to the cloud

Abstract: In this paper, we tackle challenges in migrating enterprise services into hybrid cloud-based deployments, where enterprise operations are partly hosted on-premise and partly in the cloud. Such hybrid architectures enable enterprises to benefit from cloud-based architectures, while honoring application performance requirements, and privacy restrictions on what services may be migrated to the cloud. We make several contributions. First, we highlight the complexity inherent in enterprise applications today in terms of their multi-tiered nature, large number of application components, and interdependencies. Second, we have developed a model to explore the benefits of a hybrid migration approach. Our model takes into account enterprise-specific constraints, cost savings, and increased transaction delays and wide-area communication costs that may result from the migration. Evaluations based on real enterprise applications and Azure-based cloud deployments show the benefits of a hybrid migration approach, and the importance of planning which components to migrate. Third, we shed insight on security policies associated with enterprise applications in data centers. We articulate the importance of ensuring assurable reconfiguration of security policies as enterprise applications are migrated to the cloud. We present algorithms to achieve this goal, and demonstrate their efficacy on realistic migration scenarios.

Handbook on Enterprise Architecture

Abstract: This handbook is about methods, tools and examples of how to architect an enterprise through considering all life cycle aspects of Enterprise Entities.Itis based on ISO15704:2000, or the GERAM Framework.A wideaudience is addressed, as the handbook covers methods and tools necessary to design or redesign enterprises, as well as those necessary to structure the implementation into manageable projects.

On the principle of design of resilient systems-application to enterprise information systems

Abstract: Resilience engineering is an emerging discipline. In this article, we discuss the concept of resilience and resilience engineering in light of its distinct identity. We propose the principle of design of resilient systems. Then, we outline how these design principles can be applied to the enterprise information system to make it more resilient. This leads to a proposed architecture of resilient enterprise information systems.

A framework for investigation into extended enterprise resilience

Abstract: This article proposes a framework for investigation into 'extended enterprise resilience' based on the key attributes of enterprise resilience in the context of extended enterprises. Such attributes, namely agility, flexibility, adaptability and connectivity, are frequently defined as supporting attributes of enterprise resilience, but the issue is how they can be more effectively applied to extended enterprises. The role of information technology in assisting connectivity and collaboration is frequently recognised as contributing to resilience on all levels, and will likewise be employed on the level of extended enterprise systems. The proposed framework is based on the expanded application of two primary enablers of enterprise resilience: (i) the capability of an enterprise to connect systems, people, processes and information in a way that allows enterprise to become more connected and responsive to the dynamics of its environment, stakeholders and competitors; (ii) the alignment of information technology with business goals. The former requires inter-and intra-level interoperability and integration within the extended enterprises, and the latter requires modelling of the underlying technology infrastructure and creation of a consolidated view of, and access to, all available resources in the extended enterprises that can be attained by well-defined enterprise architecture.

Design of Enterprise Systems: Theory, Architecture, and Methods

Abstract: In practice, many different people with backgrounds in many different disciplines contribute to the design of an enterprise. Anyone who makes decisions to change the current enterprise to achieve some preferred structure is considered a designer. What is problematic is how to use the knowledge of separate aspects of the enterprise to achieve a globally optimized enterprise. The synthesis of knowledge from many disciplines to design an enterprise defines the field of enterprise engineering. Because enterprise systems are exceedingly complex, encompassing many independent domains of study, students must first be taught how to think about enterprise systems. Specifically written for advanced and intermediate courses and modules, Design of Enterprise Systems: Theory, Architecture, and Methods takes a system-theoretical perspective of the enterprise. It describes a systematic approach, called the enterprise design method, to design the enterprise. The design method demonstrates the principles, models, methods, and tools needed to design enterprise systems. The author uses the enterprise system design methodology to organize the chapters to mimic the completion of an actual project. Thus, the book details the enterprise engineering process from initial conceptualization of an enterprise to its final design. Pedagogical tools available from the authors website include: For instructors: PowerPoint slides for each chapter Project case studies that can be assigned as long-term projects to accompany the text Quiz questions for each chapter Business Process Analyzer software available for download For students: Templates, checklists, forms, and models to support enterprise engineering activities The book fills a need for greater design content in engineering curricula by describing how to design enterprise systems. Inclusion of design is also critical for business students, since they must realize the import their decisions may have on the long-term design of the enterprises they work with. The books practical focus and project-based approach coupled with the pedagogical tools featured on the authors website gives students the knowledge and skills they need to lead enterprise engineering projects.

Measurement of resilience and its application to enterprise information systems

Abstract: In this article, we present a measure for resilience in the context of enterprise information systems or service systems in a more general sense. Resilience of the system is a property of the system, which focuses on the recovery ability of the system after a partial damage of the system. Enterprise information systems such as enterprise resource planning, supply chain management, customer relationship management, manufacturing execution system, etc. play a critical role in the daily operation of modern enterprises by timely and sustainable delivery of information. Therefore, resilience is especially important for the enterprise information systems. The proposed measure for resilience is based on the recovery ability of the system, which departs from the existing approaches in literature and presents a unique contribution. An example is given to illustrate how the proposed measure works.

An ontology-based Enterprise Architecture

Abstract: The Enterprise Architecture refers to a comprehensive description of all of the key elements and relationships that make up an organization [Harmon, P. (2003). Developing an Enterprise Architecture, Business process trends: Whitepaper]. Through the Enterprise Architecture, enterprises can implement enterprise integration to cope with dynamically changing business environment. Existing Enterprise Architectures, however, lack of semantics for humans and systems to understand them exactly and commonly, which causes communication problems between humans or between systems or between human and system. These communication problems keep enterprises from implementing integration and collaborating with other enterprises. In order to solve this problem, the ontology-based Enterprise Architecture is suggested in this paper. The Enterprise Architecture ontology is composed of ontologies in three levels. Ontologies of business terms are in the first level, ontologies of Enterprise Architecture components are in the second level, and ontologies of relationships among Enterprise Architecture components are in the top level. The ontologies of business terms are defined in the approach of the WordNet, and the ontologies of Enterprise Architecture components and relationships of them are defined in the approach of the SBVR. Through these ontologies, it is expected that humans and systems can understand Enterprise Architectures exactly and commonly, which supports integrations in enterprises and collaborations between enterprises.

Method and system for dynamically implementing an enterprise resource policy

Abstract: A rules evaluation engine that controls user's security access to enterprise resources that have policies created for them. This engine allows real time authorization process to be performed with dynamic enrichment of the rules if necessary. Logging, alarm and administrative processes for granting or denying access to the user are also realized. The access encompasses computer and physical access to information and enterprise spaces.

Enterprise Cloud Service Architecture

Abstract: Cloud computing, a new paradigm of distributed computing, introduces many new ideas, concepts, principals, technologies and architectural styles into enterprise service-oriented computing. The enterprise service-oriented architecture (ESOA) style is an abstraction of concrete enterprise service-orientated architectures, which includes SOA architectural elements, service design patterns as well as principles, and SOA quality attributes. It can be extended to a new style for realizing enterprise cloud computing. Meanwhile, the principles and style of enterprise service-oriented computing facilitate the enterprise-wide adoption of cloud computing. This paper extends the ESOA style to a new hybrid architectural style, Enterprise Cloud Service Architecture (ECSA). The style is described by extending enterprise service-oriented formula for ESOA. We model the style through specifying each element in the formula with both service-oriented and cloud architectural styles.

Linking Enterprise Data

Abstract: Enterprise data is growing at a much faster rate than traditional technologies allow. New enterprise architectures combining existing technologies are desperately needed. This book suggests a way forward by applying new techniques of the World Wide Web to enterprise information systems. Linking Enterprise Data is an edited volume contributed by worldwide leaders in Semantic Web and Linked Data research, standards development and adoption. Linking enterprise data is the application of World Wide Web architecture principles to real-world information management issues faced by commercial, not-for-profit and government enterprises. This book is divided into four sections: Benefits of applying Linked Data principles in enterprise settings, enterprise approval and support of Linked Data projects, specific Linked Data techniques and a number of real-world success stories from early enterprise adopters. Linking Enterprise Data targets professionals working as CTOs, CIOs, enterprise architects, project managers and application developers in commercial, not-for-profit and government organizations concerned with scalability, flexibility and robustness of information management systems. Computer science graduate students and researchers focusing on enterprise information integration will also benefit.

From Software Architecture Analysis to Service Engineering: An Empirical Study of Methodology Development for Enterprise SOA Implementation

Abstract: This paper presents an integrated service-oriented enterprise system development framework (called the BITAM-SOA Framework) as well as an instantiated design process model (called the Service Engineering Schematic) that was a result from a three-year action research case study with a Fortune 50 company in the financial services industry. The BITAM-SOA Framework and Schematic advance are both business-IT alignment and software architecture analysis techniques supporting the engineering of enterprise-wide service-oriented systems-that is, service engineering.

Enterprise Integration, Interoperability and Networking, Proceedings of the 5th IFAC/IFIP EI2N'2010 workshop, Lecture Notes in Computer Sciences, On the Move to Meaningful Internet Systems: OTM 2010: International Workshops, Hersonissou, Crete, Greece

Abstract: After the successful fourth edition in 2009, the fifth edition of the Enterprise Integration, Interoperability and Networking workshop (EI2N'2010) has been organised as part of the OTM'2010 Federated Conferences and is supported by the IFAC Technical Committee 53 "Enterprise Integration and Networking", the IFIP TC 8 WG 81 "Design and Evaluation of Information Systems", the SIG INTEROP Grande-Region on "Enterprise Systems Interoperability" and the French CNRS National Research Group GDR MACS Collaboration is necessary for enterprises to prosper in the current extreme dynamic and heterogeneous business environment Enterprise integration, interoperability and networking are the major disciplines that have studied how to do companies to collaborate and communicate in the most effective way These disciplines are well-established and are supported by international conferences, initiatives, groups, task forces and governmental projects all over the world where different domains of knowledge have been considered from different points of views and a variety of objectives (eg, technological or managerial) Enterprise Integration involves breaking down organizational barriers to improve synergy within the enterprise so that business goals are achieved in a more productive and efficient way The past decade of enterprise integration research and industrial implementation has seen the emergence of important new areas, such as research into interoperability and networking, which involve breaking down organizational barriers to improve synergy within the enterprise and among enterprises The ambition to achieve dynamic, efficient and effective cooperation of enterprises within networks of companies, or in an entire industry sector, requires the improvement of existing, or the development of new, theories and technologies Enterprise Modelling, Architecture, and semantic techniques are the pillars supporting the achievement of Enterprise Integration and Interoperability Internet of Things and Cloud Computing now present new opportunities to realize inter enterprise and intra enterprise integration For these reasons, the workshop's objective is to foster discussions among representatives of these neighbouring disciplines and to discover new research paths within the enterprise integration community After peer reviews, 6 papers have been accepted out of 12 submissions to this workshop Prof Michael Sobolewski (Polish-Japanese Institute of IT, Poland) has been invited as EI2N plenary keynote on "Exerted Enterprise Computing: from Protocol-oriented Networking to Exertion-oriented Networking" In addition to the presentations of the accepted papers, groups have been organised into what E2IN traditionally calls "workshop cafes", to discuss and debate the presented topics This year discussion enabled putting forward new research related to "interoperability issues in collaborative information systems" These groups reported the results of the respective discussions during a plenary session that was jointly organised with the CoopIS'2010 conference, in order to share the vision for future research on this top domain The papers published in this volume of proceedings present samples of current research in the enterprise modelling, systems interoperability, services management, cloud integration and, more globally, systems engineering and enterprise architecture domains Some new architecting principles that has gained currency in the recent past is semantic technique, service oriented architecture and cloud computing with their principles, reference models and technology, and if applied correctly can be an important contributor to the future of interoperable, networked and collaborative enterprises The success of this complex field also depends on the maturity and coherency of the management of the involved enterprises, a topic covered by the second workshop cafe As a special track of EI2N'2010, SeDeS'2010 is the first international workshop on Semantics & Decision Support The call for papers saw 12 submissions, among which the Programme Committee has selected 4 papers to be presented at EI2N'2010 The selected papers cover the topics of ontology-based decision making applications in the fields of eGovernment, eLearning, business rule management and Human Resource Management

What Is an Enterprise Architecture Principle

Abstract: Architecture can be defined as the fundamental organization of a system and the principles governing its design and evolution (IEEE 2000). While design representation issues like meta-modeling and notations have been intensely discussed in Enterprise Architecture (EA), design activity issues are often neglected. This is surprising because EA principles play an important role in practice. As a contribution towards a consensus on a clear definition of EA principles, we analyze state-of-the-art on EA principle definitions. Our literature analysis is based on the results of Stelzer’s (2009) broad literature review. Based on five selected approaches, seven common main components of EA principle definitions are identified: (1) An EA principle is based on business strategy and IT strategy; (2) EA design principles refer to the construction of an enterprise while requirements refer to its function; (3) Principles can be attributed to different layers (e.g. business, information system, technology); (4) An EA principle is described in a principle statement saying what to improve; (5) For each principle, a rationale is formulated explaining why the principle is meant to help reaching a pre-defined goal; (6) For each principle, concrete implications or key actions are described explaining how to implement the principle; and (7) For every principle, it should be defined how to determine its fulfillment.

Application of Enterprise Models for Engineering Enterprise Transformation

Abstract: Enterprise models constitute a valuable basis for enterprise transformation because they usually represent a widely accepted image of an enterprise. Practitioners often put a lot of effort in the creation and maintenance of such models that therefore represent a significant investment. However, so far the information contained in enterprise models is to a large extend ‘dateless’ which means it is hardly used to describe the transformation itself consistently. Therefore we propose a method to systematically derive an enterprise transformation model based on existing models representing enterprise structures at different points in time. The result of the method application is a set of project outlines derived from enterprise models. In order to generalise our approach to a multiperiod transformation model capable of coping with dynamic changes and plan deviations we propose a respective conceptual system. Our research artefact (the method) is finally demonstrated in a case study.

Enterprise Information Systems Design, Implementation and Management: Organizational Applications

Abstract: Enterprise Information Systems Design, Implementation and Management: Organizational Applications investigates the creation and implementation of enterprise information systems. Covering a wide array of topics such as flow-shop scheduling, information systems outsourcing, ERP systems utilization, Dietz transaction methodology, and advanced planning systems, it is an essential reference source for researchers and professionals alike.

An RFID-based enterprise application integration framework for real-time management of dynamic manufacturing processes

Abstract: Enterprise application integration (EAI) is an important issue for a company trying to transform itself into a ubiquitous real-time organization. However, traditional techniques for EAI are only suitable for integrating the virtual information among different applications. The challenge of integrating physical objects with corresponding business processes and applications at the right time and location is a critical concern for companies building a real-time enterprise (RTE) information system. In this research, we proposed an EAI framework based on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. On the basis of this framework, a prototype system is developed to demonstrate the applicability of the framework in a shop floor environment. This paper also presents a RFID-based standard operation procedure to configure a prototype system for a particular shop floor operation and an operator orientation for performing the corresponding tasks. The findings of this paper demonstrate that the proposed framework is more capable than most current industrial practices in both managing dynamic manufacturing processes and in providing real-time visibility of work-in-process information. Using this framework, an enterprise can easily integrate an RFID-based solution into its IT infrastructure and manufacturing environment to facilitate real-time management of dynamic production operations.

Enabling Strategic Transformations with Enterprise Systems: Beyond Operational Efficiency Research-in-Progress

Abstract: The last few decades have seen the widespread adopt ion of large-scale, integrated, packaged software suites collectively called Enterprise Syst ems. However, most studies done so far have largely focused on the operational efficiency achie ved by using these systems. This paper reports on research-in-progress that seeks to explore the spotential of Enterprise Systems to enable business transformations. In doing so, a new model is proposed that places the emphasis on the potential of Enterprise Systems to achieve i nnovation and reshape business strategy, rather than merely focusing on operational benefits. This model proposes that Enterprise Systems, when used to integrate, optimise and informate, can help firms achieve alliance innovation, process innovation and reshaped business strategy. The pape r also provides preliminary empirical evidence that supports the propositions. This model will be tested further through primary case studies and a survey. This research, once completed , will assess the strategic role of Enterprise Systems in enabling business transformations beyond operational benefits.

Systems and Methods for Optimizing Enterprise Performance Relationships to Other Applications

Abstract: Methods and systems enable enterprises to optimize the performance of an organization or enterprise by linking the goals and the performance of the organization or enterprise. Goals may be set for improving performance. Those goals may then be evaluated using parameters such as critical success factors, key performance indicators, and action plan steps.

Enterprise Ontologies: Review and an Activity Theory Approach

Abstract: This paper provides an alternative, theory-based approach for generating an enterprise ontology, using activity theory. Activity theory, based on psychology, provides a template-based approach to capturing the context of individual activity in an organization. In particular, activity theory uses eight key class concepts: activity, outcome, subject, object, community, rules, tools and division of labour, as a means of organizing and capturing context information. Activity theory is compared with other previously proposed enterprise ontologies, including “ARIS,” “REA,” “The Enterprise Ontology,” “TOVE,” and “Enterprise Ontology.” This activity theory approach is found to consider information typically not included in enterprise ontologies, but likely of interest in most any enterprise.

Enabling strategic transformations with enterprise systems : beyond operational efficiency

Abstract: The last few decades have seen the widespread adoption of large-scale, integrated, packaged software suites collectively called Enterprise Systems. However, most studies done so far have largely focused on the operational efficiency achieved by using these systems. This paper reports on research-in-progress that seeks to explore the strategic potential of Enterprise Systems to enable business transformations. In doing so, a new model is proposed that places the emphasis on the potential of Enterprise Systems to achieve innovation and reshape business strategy, rather than merely focusing on operational benefits. This model proposes that Enterprise Systems, when used to integrate, optimise and informate, can help firms achieve alliance innovation, process innovation and reshaped business strategy. The paper also provides preliminary empirical evidence that supports the propositions. This model will be tested further through primary case studies and a survey. This research, once completed, will assess the strategic role of Enterprise Systems in enabling business transformations beyond operational benefits.

Managing application interactions with enterprise systems

Abstract: Networked services may interface with enterprise systems of an organization to access data in the enterprise systems. A networked service may be able to retrieve, manipulate, and store data in the enterprise systems. Once a networked service interfacing with enterprise systems has been created, developers may create apps or applications that call one or more networked services to access data in the enterprise systems. The apps may provide basic functionality, such as generating a user interface in a specific device using a specific industry standard platform for incorporating data from enterprise systems accessed by a linked service. Networked services may also contain modules for tracking calls or invocations of the service together with an identifier of an associated application and user, in addition to other data. This data may be recorded in a database and shared to compensate parties based on actual usage of the services and/or apps.

Enterprise systems engineering: advances in the theory and practice

Abstract: Introduction, J.K. DeRosa Systems Thinking for the Enterprise, G. Rebovic h Jr. Pilots and Case Studies, K. A. Crider Capabilities-Based Engineering Analysis, S.J. Anderson and M.J. Webb Enterprise Opportunity and Risk, B.E. White Architectures for Enterprise Systems Engineering, C. Troche, J.K. DeRosa, J.H. Bigelow Jr., T.J. Blevins, J.C. Fonseca, M.J. Webb, M.R. Coirin, H.L. K., J.M. Vittori , B. Singh, R.W. Fox, J.S. Cook, C. A. Plainte, M.D. Baehre, and M.R. McFarren Enterprise Analysis and Assessment, J.J. Roberts Enterprise Management, R.S. Swarz Agile Functionality for Decision Superiority, K.A. Cabana, L.G. Boiney, L.A. Lore n, C.D. Berube, R.J. Lesch, L.B. O'Brien, C.A. Bonaceto, and H. Singh Enterprise Activities: Evolving toward an Enterprise, S.C. Elgass, L.S. Hawthorne, C. A. Kaprielian, P.S. Kim, A.K. Miller, L.R. Ricci, M.A. Slatter y, J. Reid Slaughter, P.A. Smyton, and R.E. Stuebe Index

The Roles of Principles in Enterprise Architecture

Abstract: Key concepts in enterprise architecture include concerns, principles, models, views and frameworks. While most of these concepts have received ample attention in research, the concept of principles has not been studied much yet. In this paper, we therefore specifically focus on the role of principles in the field of enterprise architecture, where we position enterprise architecture as a means to direct enterprise transformations.

Towards An Integration Of The Lean Enterprise System, Total Quality Management, Six Sigma And Related Enterprise Process Improvement Methods

Abstract: The lean enterprise system, total quality management, six sigma, theory of constraints, agile manufacturing, and business process reengineering have been introduced as universally applicable best methods to improve the performance of enterprise operations through continuous process improvement and systemic planned enterprise change. Generally speaking, they represent practice-based, rather than theory-grounded, methods with common roots in manufacturing. Most of the literature on them is descriptive and prescriptive, aimed largely at a practitioner audience. Despite certain differences among them, they potentially complement each other in important ways. The lean enterprise system, total quality management and six sigma, in particular, are tightly interconnected as highly complementary approaches and can be brought together to define a first-approximation "core" integrated management system, with the lean enterprise system serving as the central organizing framework. Specific elements of the other approaches can be selectively incorporated into the "core" enterprise system to enrich its effectiveness. Concrete theoretical and computational developments in the future through an interdisciplinary research agenda centered on the design and development of networked enterprises as complex adaptive socio-technical systems, as well as the creation of a readily accessible observatory of evidence-based management practices, would represent important steps forward.

Semantic technologies for enterprise cloud management

Abstract: Enterprise clouds apply the paradigm of cloud computing to enterprise IT infrastructures, with the goal of providing easy, flexible, and scalable access to both computing resources and IT services. Realizing the vision of the fully automated enterprise cloud involves addressing a range of technological challenges. In this paper, we focus on the challenges related to intelligent information management in enterprise clouds and discuss how semantic technologies can help to fulfill them. In particular, we address the topics of data integration, collaborative documentation and annotation and intelligent information access and analytics and present solutions that are implemented in the newest addition to our eCloudManager product suite: The Intelligence Edition.

Enterprise Mashup Systems as Platform for Situational Applications - Benefits and Challenges in the Business Domain

Abstract: Currently, several Enterprise 2.0 platforms are beginning to emerge. This paper introduces Enterprise Mashup technology as a means to improve IT alignment of individual work processes and changing business needs. Enterprise Mashups enable users to create customized applications to easily find and transform business information and functionalities, as well as collaboratively share pre-built Mashup applications. Therefore, the concept of Enterprise Mashups integrates Web 2.0 technologies and principles with well-established paradigms such as Enterprise Information Integration, Business Intelligence, and Business Process Management. Involved organizational key drivers, technical challenges and inhibitors are discussed to assess the potential business value and explain the emerging expansion of Mashup platforms in companies.

An Ontology-Based Approach to Reengineering Enterprise Software for Cloud Computing

Abstract: Cloud computing is the future trend for enterprise software solutions, which means a lot of legacy systems will need to be either adapted to fit the requirement of cloud computing or to be purged and redesigned from scratch. However, enterprise software is far too complex for any human being to understand as a whole. This paper proposes a novel approach to reengineering enterprise software for cloud computing by building an ontology for enterprise software and then partitioning the enterprise software ontology to decompose enterprise software into potential service candidates. Ontology development process includes three steps, namely, building ontologies for source code, data, and application framework respectively, integrating captured ontologies and deploying the final produced ontology. Firstly, the ontology development process is supported by the reverse engineering and model transformation techniques. Secondly, the ontology integration is based on ontology engineering research. Thirdly, the deployment of enterprise software ontology is done through the software reengineering activities. Once the ontology is built, there will be a link between ontology and enterprise software. By analysing the concepts and relations in ontology, the enterprise software will be understood and decomposed as different service candidates.

Semantic Web Fostering Enterprise 2.0

Abstract: The term Enterprise 2.0 applies to the use of Web 2.0 technologies as a support for business activities within the organizations. These technologies are exploited to foster inter-persons collaboration, information exchange and knowledge sharing, also outside the organization, to establish relationships based on conversational modalities rather than on traditional business communication. The vision of Enterprise 2.0 places a high value on the importance of social networks inside and outside the organization stimulating flexibility, adaptability and innovation between workers, managers, customers, suppliers and consultants. The integration between the Web 2.0 tools with traditional enterprise software, the aggregation of organization inner data with external data and the choice of adequate knowledge representations are critical aspects to be faced in order to further the growth of smart applications in the Enterprise 2.0 context. In this work we propose an approach, based on Semantic Web techniques, to relax the aforementioned critical issues.

Social Software: Agents for Change or Platforms for Social Reproduction? A Case Study on Enterprise Microblogging

Abstract: The application of social software in enterprises has been discussed in both practice and academia for a few years now. One discussion that recently gained momentum in public media and the blogosphere stresses that these technologies will change the way in which corporations organise communication and decision processes, thereby contributing to structural changes towards flatter organisational hierarchies. Against the backdrop of such claims, we present a case study of a software company that has adopted an Enterprise Microblogging platform to facilitate day-to-day teamwork. We have analysed communication behaviour with regards to organisational roles. Our results suggest that it is more likely for such platforms to be adopted in ways that socially reproduce existing organisational and work structures rather than acting as agents for change. We discuss our findings in light of the nature of open platforms and point out implications for practice.