If Facebook were a country, it would be the fourth largest nation on earth based on the size of its community. In late 2009, Twitter had twenty times more users than at the start of the year – most of them using the communications and information channel on the move. And automaker Fiat considered customer ideas, submitted via a dedicated Internet portal, during the development of its Fiat 500.

Social trends such as mobility, individualization and Web 2.0 are the driving force behind a development that is changing the face of business forever. But what are the real consequences of this social movement for companies – a movement where the roles of customers, suppliers, employees and partners are becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish between?

What does it mean for companies if millions of people around the world are connected? If customers and consumers are using technology to exchange knowledge, ideas and advice instead of approaching companies for product information and support? One thing is certain: the business world must keep pace with this rapid development that knows no limits – a development that reached the consumer world a long time ago.

What does this mean for your company?

Reducing costs and improving growth remain key challenges for corporate leaders. And the pressure to do this has never been greater, especially in light of the recent international financial crisis and increasingly short innovation cycles. Companies must respond to economic developments more rapidly than ever before. In the past, they had months or even years to adapt their business models to new challenges. But now, bankruptcy may be looming within weeks. As social megatrends continue to place increasing demands on the world of business, what can companies do? Who will show them what they can do to shape the future of connected life and work?

Based on these social megatrends and their impact on business processes, T-Systems has established five core beliefs as guiding principles for its ICT portfolio. The areas dynamic net-centric sourcing, collaboration, mobile enterprise, security & governance, and sustainability & corporate responsibility can play a key role in helping companies master today’s real-world challenges – and underline T-Systems’ status as an enabler of the future of connected life and work.