SANTA CRUZ, CA Mar 1, 2012 - While it used to be sufficient for vendors to host developer program sites with simple tech support, knowledge base, and tools / SDKs, now two-thirds of developers now want and expect social networking features to be included in developer relations websites, according to Evans Data’s new Developer Relations Survey, 2012. The survey of over 400 software developers also found that developer activity in social networks has increased by over 60% in the last two years, and that 74% visit social networks at least several times a week.

"Social networking transformed the landscape of the web and developers have embraced the paradigms that define a social network," said Janel Garvin, CEO of Evans Data. "We’ve seen the interest level in social features rise dramatically among software developers in the last two years, until now any vendor with a developer program had better be providing features to stimulate an active social community."

The survey also showed that the most important features that developers look for in social networks are related to active communication with peers such as blogs, chat and an active community, while tagging, dashboards and bookmarks are less important.

The Evans Data Developer Relations survey is conducted annually and covers a diverse set of subjects related to developer relations programs, including membership and pricing, tools and SDKs, distribution channels and stores, training and certification and more. See complete Table of Contents here:

http://www.evansdata.com/reports/viewSample.php?sampleID=131

Evans Data will be hosting the 8th annual Developer Relations Conference in Redwood City on March 12 and 13. Check here for details:

http://www.evansdata.com/drc/2012/

Evans Data Corporation provides regularly updated IT industry market intelligence based on in-depth surveys of the global developer population. Evans' syndicated research includes surveys focused on developers in a wide variety of subjects.

Copyright 2012 Evans Data Corporation. All other company names, products and services mentioned in this document are the trademarks and property of their respective owners.

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