Simple status updates as we know them now are with us because Twitter limits us to 140 characters of text-only message. We can embed links or use micro-syntax (# – hashtags, @ – at replies, etc.) to make it richer but it stops there. While this might make sense if you’re trying to keep 100% compatibility with SMS, it doesn’t make sense in today’s IT enabled Enterprise. Laptops and smart devices (iPhone, BlackBerry) are now part of our basic work tools, so there is no need to limit communication to 140 characters of text.

That is why Flowr goes beyond simple status updates and allows you to post rich status updates that are easy to read and interact with. This allows you to post a link to SlideShare and Flowr will automatically generate embed and allow others to view it directly from inside the application.

There are also other types of messages like polls, TODO’s, events, ideas and questions that each has its own specific interaction type, making it easier to quickly scan and filter the stream of messages. We also make sure to embed extra meta-data to the status updates when we can, like automatically tagging links that you share to make it even easier for later retrieval.

While a most of the messages posted to our internal Flowr are still simple text, we’re loving the liberating feeling that allows you to post more extensive and information rich content when you need to, without having to use external services like url shorteners or image hosting sites.