As the web of social networking grows, opportunities for startups are expanding, driven by a variety of factors.
One of the biggest growth sectors is the custom-built social community.
In a report released last September, research firm IDC predicted the U.S. online community software business will jump to $1.6 billion (U.S.) by 2013, compared with $278.4 million in 2008 and $135.3 million the year before. In addition to creating such on-line communities externally for customers, the report noted, companies are also designing communities internally for employees.
That's where companies such as Toronto-based Filemobile come in. As founder Steve Hulford points out, sites such as Facebook may provide a massive user base, but companies that run their social platforms exclusively on the site have little if any control over the terms of use, privacy settings, analytics or even the domain name. By creating their own custom-made communities -- such as the CBC's new Hockey Night in Canada anthem challenge -- companies can tailor the user experience down to the last detail, Mr. Hulford adds.
Filemobile gives companies the technical tools necessary to create their own miniature social networks. It designs software that can be used as the back-end for such sites, allowing companies not only to build them, but also to manage everything from user comments to uploaded video. In addition to doing full turnkey work, Filemobile also offers consulting services.
CEO Chris Becker talked more about the company, and the work it has done to create brand awareness for its clients. View an archived version below.
