From FB to Flocked.in

At most of the workplaces, using social networking sites is frowned upon or indulged in surreptitiously. Now, think a social networking platform to share work-related information which lets colleagues comment on and share project ideas - a concept which defines http://flocked.in. Flocked.in, developed by Synovel software, a company which works out of the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) at International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) launched the product officially in the city on Thursday.Flocked.in shares most of the features characteristic of a typical social networking site in which the users of a specific enterprise can communicate with others, moderated by the creator of the page and is open for public registration. “Users can follow topics and tag content, which helps in getting the information across to the targeted users, thus preventing spamming,” explains Siva Edupuganti, one of the founders of Synovel, started by the alumnus of IIIT-H in 2008.The basic version of Flocked.in offers other features such as micro-blogging, file-sharing, polls and group collaborations. The group feature allows the user to post his/her comments in an open group or closed group of select individuals, much like the popular social networking site Facebook. “All the communication is done through encrypted channels. The company can use their personal server for using the premium version of the software installed in-house. For the hosted version the data is stored in a secure cloud to prevent data theft. All the data posted belongs to the user or the enterprise,” says Siva. He adds that the premium version also offers additional perks such as developer API, company directory integration and the cost works out to be $2 USD per user every month.Developed with a view to promote exchange of ideas across departments to improve performance and collaboration, developers are working on a version which allows exchange between two separate enterprises working in collaboration and easing communication. The product developed over a period of a year has already over 100 users registered with it.