Partnering Programs and Social Media

This IDC study provides guidance on some of the leading practices IDC has observed when partnering programs leverage platforms such as Facebook, Google+, YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn, blogs, and developer communities to implement their social media strategy. Many software vendors have started using social media platforms as part of their overall partner marketing and communication strategy.

"While a few large software vendors have implemented a broad social media strategy that incorporates the major platforms, the majority are still just getting started," said Christine Dover, research manager, IDC's Software Channels. "Given their unique audience, IDC recommends that the partnering teams at software vendors develop their own social media brand rather than rely on a corporate presence and implement a multifaceted approach that incorporates a variety of social media platforms."