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Present.ly is a microblogging application that helps companies keep their employees updated and in touch. Updates are made in real time so employees are always viewing the most recent content. The application works much like Twitter by giving the company’s employees a microblog to post to. The employee can add updates on projects or a general status, anything they feel is relevant and helpful to those reading their posts. Unlike Twitter, Present.ly gives the company a secure place to post statuses to. Only those within the organization can read the posts. Users can customize the look of Present.ly to match their company’s branding. Groups let users separate conversations for maximum efficiency. Users can also attach files to message. Present.ly currently supports Firefox, Safari, Opera and Internet Explorer browsers.

Present.ly was founded in September of 2008 by Barg Upender and David Naffis. The application has earned praise and recognition from many well-known media sources. The New York Times referred to the application’s “security and privacy” as strong selling points. Present.ly was given a Webware 10 Editor’s Choice award by CNET in 2009. The application continues to offer professional quality microblogging service that gives businesses a secure environment to work within. Present.ly was rebranded as SocialSpring Streams in June 2011.

Present.ly takes a common activity and makes it business-friendly. The application works much like Twitter, which isn’t a new concept. What makes it unique is the focus on professional needs rather than the needs of a general audience. Companies can give employees a secure place to discuss projects, share files and stay updated on day to day operations. Updates occur in real time and the user can participate in individual group conversations.

Present.ly offers a professional environment with plenty of personality. The application gives users a clean interface to work within. The overall style is perfectly suited for any office environment, yet still manages to look unique and original. The interface the user provides for their employees varies based on how they customize their microblogs. Users can add company logos and select specific colors so the blogs blend perfectly with their companies color scheme. Present.ly offers a user friendly environment that matches the company’s brand rather than that of the application.

A new user click the “Sign Up for Free” button found along the left side of the Present.ly homepage to get started. The registration form runs down the center of the following page and asks for an organization name, desired short Present.ly URL, language, signup type, login name, email address first and last name and a password. After completing and submitting the form, the user is given a link to click and can immediately login with their username and password.

Present.ly doesn’t make it easy to learn about its pricing options. Users can choose from four subscription plans, the first being a free plan that includes access for up to five users, access to the mobile interface and the Twitter compatible. The Basic plan costs $14 per month and incudes access for up to 15 users, 1 GB of media sharing storage, 30 day free trial, group features, hashtags and bird’s eye view options. The Plus plan costs $49 per month and includes up to 40 users, 4 GBs of media storage, linking expressions, SMS notifications, XMPP integration and secure SSL. The Premium plan costs $99 per month and includes up to 100 users and 12 GBs of media sharing space.

Present.ly is intended specifically for businesses that want to give employees a quick, easy way to stay connected. Companies of all sizes can use the application to help their employees communicate through status updates and messages. Users can share files and customize the look of Present.ly to blend with their current branding. Present.ly is secure so the user can keep company files and information hidden away from the outside world.

• 30 day free trial available with all paid subscriptions
• Customization options let users add company branding
• Media sharing makes it easy to share documents, video clips and images
• All interactions are kept within a secure environment
• Groups give employees a separate space to discuss individual projects

Present.ly video

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