When Twitter Fails at the Siemens PLM Connection

At this years Siemens PLM Connection, we’ve been plugging social media tools like Twitter to stay connected and communicate. As a Twitter power user, this tool has often been used as conference unofficial back channels and is a fantastic way to check the pulse of a savvy audience.

Unfortunately, Twitter has been experiencing some – well, shall we say, growing pains. Often times, Twitter may be slow or just plain down. This is never good, naturally, but for Twitter addicts, it can be a gut wrenching experience – especially at a conference such as this.

There are options to Twitter, however, as Mark pointed out. For microcontent, I’m personally a fan of Brightkite.

Brightkite is location based and centers around where you are located (you check in to places) and can be used via email or SMS. Note that SMS is for US customers only and does not include Verizon Wireless. Users with VZW or non-US Carriers will have to use the web interface, the mobile interface (i.brightkite.com for iPhone users or m.brightkite.com for Blackberry, Treo and other mobile clients).

Brightkite is in private beta but I have 6 invites available (trying to get more as well) that are available to Siemens PLM Connection members. Drop me an email at aaron@technosailor.com with your email address and I’ll send you one of these invites.

See you around the show.