With so many people and businesses playing the social networking sites field, it is important to pick the right ones for your business needs. Chart courtesy of Italy's Vincenzo Cosenza and as reported on socialnomics.net in mid-2011

The number of active users on Facebook is nearing one billion.

There are fewer on Twitter and still fewer on LinkedIn. While Facebook and Twitter can represents security equipment manufacturers and integrator firms, LinkedIn is for individuals. There are thousands of blogs from companies and individuals related to physical security topics. Use of these and other SNSs takes time and money to setup and maintain. There also is the challenge of brand and reputation. Inappropriate postings or Tweets, too many sent messages, or blogs or comments about them that may be perceived by some as offensive could tarnish an integrator’s brand and reputation.

And, yes Virginia, there is a Web-based service to repair the damage. Reputation.com offers cleanup services to businesses.