Social media is one of six key technologies for businesses in 2011.

Social media is one of the six most important technologies for companies to think about and develop in 2011, parcel delivery and courier services have been told.

According to Canadian research firm Info-Tech, social media is "here to stay", pointing out that marketing departments are already integrating Web 2.0 technology into their strategies.

"Larger organisations are also utilising social media platforms to improve the effectiveness of internal communications and employee-to-employee collaboration, driving superior team productivity and knowledge sharing," the company said.

The next key technology for IT departments in the year ahead is mobile applications, such as those offered by DHL and UPS that make sending an international package delivery easier.

Also noted are cloud technology, desktop virtualisation, simple analytic tools and enterprise contract management.

The report comes as it emerges that teenage pop idol Justin Bieber is the most influential person online.

In a study carried out by Klout, the Canadian singer has more influence on social media than the Dalai Lama and US president Barack Obama.

Posted by Rob Elliott

Article Added: 04/01/2011 09:06:03