
New Socialtext 3.0 Features
Socialtext 3.0, as previously promised, introduces two product innovations that are really the focus of the newest version: Socialtext Dashboard and Socialtext People. These two editions -- while still labeled as being in beta -- extend the platform in numerous ways.Socialtext Dashboard
The Socialtext Dashboard is a completely customizable interface that the can be utilized with internal and external personalized widgets. After taking a look at Socialtext Dashboard, Netvibes or Pageflakes could instantly come to mind. And that is, in essence, what the Socialtext Dashboard is.
The Socialtext Dashboard view
However, Socialtext Dashboard is aimed at a business environment. Users can utilize the Socialtext Dashboard to stay on top of activity going on throughout an organization. Adding widgets, which are focused primarily for enterprise and business use, is how the user fills their dashboard with useful information of all types. In addition, external widgets can be utilized for those times when external data is useful for the user. All widgets can be moved around to a location that is convenient to the user. Another interesting feature is the fact that Socialtext widgets can be used within iGoogle. Administrators or users can also create dashboards that can be tailored to specific groups -- users are free to join these groups as well. This conveniently leads us to talking about Socialtext People.
Socialtext People
Socialtext People gives users the ability to interact with other users of the Socialtext platform -- simple enough. As other sites have referred to it as the "Facebook for enterprise," it is easy to see why.
The Socialtext People view
Socialtext People is essentially an interactive user directory. Users of Socialtext can view other user's profiles to find out more about that particular user. In addition, users can subscribe to another user's activity, so Socialtext People also includes an element from Twitter as well. Users are given their own profiles, and that page can act as a virtual business card that is accessible by members of an organization. The members can tag another user's profile with relevant tags, and these tags are used for organizing projects, determining similar interests and much more. It pretty much acts as a completely open method to organizing people.