eXo Social now open source
The AGPL makes server enhancements as well as software available to others. It is considered the bottom of the open source incline for online companies, and is staunchly resisted by Google for that reason.
The eXo software is part of a platform that extends Java middleware into cloud applications.
The company said in a press statement that its software lets enterprises "own" their enterprise social networks. The software plugs directly into existing infrastructure through the Lightweight Director Access Protocol (LDAP).
Companies can now build directories of employees, exposing all or part of that to customers and the general Web. This makes it simple to build and track the activities of adhoc teams.
The company said the software can also be used to create software developer dashboards, to aggregate marketing data through Google Analytics, and to add social networking functions to existing applications.
It must be said that while the software is appealing, and the ideas for using social networking in business are as well. implementing an internal social strategy can be a wrenching change for an entrenched organization.
Many executives see their personal knowledge and contacts as their own "secret source" within the company, and guard that power zealously. Social software tells them to spread this knowledge widely. But it can't order them to do so.