Often when a new micro-blogging tool for the enterprise, the focus is just on the benefits for the end-users. With ESME, we’ve realized that our open-source model opens a variety of opportunities for others as well.

For IT suppliers

  • You can host ESME either for internal or external customers. You make sure the ESME server(s) is running and has great performance and provide this service to end-users. 
  • You can provide expert support on configuration and other trouble-shooting issues for corporations that have their own ESME installations.

For consultants

  • You can provide advice to enterprise users on how they can best integrate ESME into their existing processes.
  • You can suggest which ESME architecture is most appropriate for the requirements of that company or division. Based on ESME’s flexibility, there is definitely not one configuration that fits all use cases.

For developers

  • Create an ESME client. The REST API is available although it is still in Alpha status. We already have clients for the web (scala-based), ABAP and AIR.  There are still a variety of platforms / development languages and use cases for which it should be possible to write new clients. I’m especially interested in Sharepoint integration and assume there is a lot of potential here.
  • Create an internal ESME extension. Don’t forget that ESME is open-source. You can take ESME and add functionality to its Scala / lift core.  Submit it as a patch to the Google Code group to hopefully have it added to main trunk.
  • Create a external ESME extension. Via the REST API, you can hook into ESME’s feature set from a variety of applications.   I’ve already created two simple clients for VBA and Javascript. We also have APIs for Java (Coming soon) and ABAP.  Based on these examples, it should be easy to integrate ESME into most applications.  If you have a good enough idea, you might even be able to sell it and make a fortune. 

For end-users

  • Take ESME and use it to improve your internal communication either within a development team, project or division.
  • Take ESME and use it to improve your communication with customers or business partners. Since ESME is open-source, you (or your internal IT) can take ESME and install it inside the firewall, the DMZ or in the cloud.

What are other opportunities that you see for ESME?