Micro-blogging on an enterprise scale

Yammer has launched its namesake micro-blogging tool for the enterprise.

The company explains that on Yammer, co-workers exchange short frequent answers to a simple question, such as: "What are you working on?" As employees answer this question, a company feed is created in one central location, enabling co-workers to discuss ideas, post news, ask questions and share links and other information. The company feed can be accessed in real-time via the desktop, the Web, IM, SMS text messaging, mobile devices or e-mail. Yammer also serves as a company directory in which every employee has a profile; it also features a knowledgebase where past conversations are archived and searchable.

Anyone in a company can start their Yammer network and begin inviting colleagues; privacy of each network is ensured by limiting access to those with a valid company e-mail address. Companies can configure their own security requirements by setting stricter password policies or restricting use to their office or VPN.

The basic Yammer service is free, but companies can pay to claim and administer their networks. The cost is $1 per employee per month, after a free three-month trial period.