A lot has been written recently regarding Google's new social networking venture, Google+. The idea is that users are able to separate their "Friends" into groups, or Circles as they're know in Google+. This means that when you post updates, photographs, and links, that you can choose who gets to see them. Despite being intended to provide a simpler solution to social networking, this feature introduces yet another factor to be considered in an already complex modern issue - who do you share with, and should they have the right to demand access to your stream of information? Can someone rightfully feel snubbed if they're relegated to "Acquaintance" status? This new etiquette has some interesting implications for the workplace, and for businesses who wish to leverage the massive power of social networking technology in order to generate revenue and mindshare.
How might "Circles" be useful in determining your target markets? Would you tailor your advertising, comments and so on for their intended audience? Could this feature potentially replace other forms of marketing or social network utilisation? The interface is certainly in line with many of Google's other offerings, with added drag and drop convenience and little of the clutter that some people feel Facebook suffers from. Created by Andy Hertzfield, the original designer of the Apple Macintosh "look and feel", Google+ is certainly a fresher, cleaner approach to an online world that already seems to be wearying.
It is, however, still in "Beta" form, and is not yet recommended by Google for business users - the firm recommends that corporate users hold off until new features targeted at their needs are made available. We think you should take a look, and make up your own mind. We're here to tell you more when you're ready.
