Social business has matured significantly over the years. Initially viewed as a way to connect people and ideas, it has evolved into a sophisticated tool that companies can use to drive business value. Enterprise social networks (ESNs), which are at the heart of social business, are now used by 90% of Fortune 500 companies. They have become essential for fostering collaboration, innovation, and productivity.

The evolution of social business has not been without its challenges. Companies have struggled to encourage employees to adopt ESNs and to demonstrate their value. Despite these hurdles, businesses are investing heavily in ESNs due to their potential to transform work processes and outcomes.

A key trend in the growth of social business has been the shift from standalone ESNs to integrated solutions. Companies are now embedding ESNs into existing workflows and systems to make them more accessible and useful. This integration is proving to be a game-changer, as it allows employees to collaborate and share information without leaving their workspaces.

The future of social business looks promising, with advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning set to take it to new heights. These technologies will enable companies to analyse vast amounts of data from ESNs and gain valuable insights. This will help them make better decisions, improve productivity, and drive innovation.

Go to source article: http://www.zdnet.com/how-social-business-grew-up-7000029450/