Server tools developer WorkLight has released its enterprise Facebook solution in the UK. The firm said that WorkBook was an overlay to the social networking site and could be used by IT managers to control access, without losing any of its capabilities.

WorkLight said that it had developed the tool so that firms could benefit from the collaboration and communication benefits inherent in such consumer tools. Rather than ban such Web 2.0 tools out of hand, it suggests that firms embrace them.

The firm's chief executive Shahar Kaminitz said that firms could use WorkBook in an enterprise manner, using the system to search for and locate colleagues with shared interests, or required skill sets, by name, location, or area of expertise.

Staff can also use the system to set up working groups, share information, collaborate on projects and set up news feeds specifically suited to their needs.

“Many of the new consumer technologies and services, like Facebook, are introduced into the organisation by the employees themselves," said Kaminitz. " Companies that choose to embrace this trend, and implement secure access to Facebook will reap the benefits of their own employees’ expertise."