Enterprise Social Networking focuses on the use of online social networks or social relations among people who share business interests and/or activities.

Enterprise Social Networking is often a facility of enterprise social software (regarded as a primary component of Enterprise 2.0), which is essentially social software used in “enterprise” (business/commercial) contexts. It encompasses modifications to corporate intranets and other classic software platforms used by large companies to organize their communication, collaboration and other aspects of their intranets.

Enterprise Social Networking is also generally thought to include the use of a standard external social networking service to generate visibility for an enterprise.

If you are considering an enterprise social network, you may be wondering which questions are the right ones to ask. After all, enterprise social networks are fairly new, and many companies are still learning how to use them most effectively.

With that in mind, be sure to ask these five questions when considering which social network platform to use:

1. What specific tasks do you need it to accomplish?

The different platforms offered by companies come with various features. Some companies will allow you to modify the features offered in the package. Some options might include the ability to integrate with other common business applications, the ability to work and communicate exclusively on particular subjects and groups, and nearly instant social network implementation at your company.

2. How will the software ease productivity or communication bottlenecks in your organization?

Do you have remote employees? Perhaps all of them are remote and you have a virtual office. Typically, it’s difficult to effectively collaborate with several people over e-mail. With an enterprise social network, however, real-time communication allows you to talk now and clear up any misunderstandings. What about phone conversations or meetings? Think about how often these meetings are happening in your organization and how much time could be saved through collaboration on a social network platform.

3. Do you want a hosted or installed service?

Is it more important to have the software on site where you can have staff quickly resolve any technical issues? Or would you rather save yourself the time associated with hosting your own software?

4. Can the system grow and adapt easily to changing needs and technology?

Say the platform you are considering isn’t ready for the next major business trend – would you rather switch to another platform entirely, or would you prefer to use the existing one and have modifications made as needed? Make sure the platform you choose can easily adapt to meet your business’s evolving needs.

5. What level of training is required before someone can use the system?

You know how costly it can be to train many employees to perform a new task. And, there will definitely be bumps in the road afterwards as people continue to learn. Consider which platform will make the adjustment phase the easiest for everyone.

Knowing how to give your choice due diligence can ensure you choose an enterprise social network that accommodates your company’s needs for the long haul. Keep these questions in mind as you explore your options.