For the latest social networking statistics and analysis, look no further than the most recent Economist special report. It highlights the considerable business benefits of embracing social networks. These include the ease with which customer relationships can be maintained and created, as well as the estimated millions of dollars firms like Intel save by using LinkedIn instead of headhunters to recruit senior managers. We are left in little doubt that while the social networking revolution is only in its infancy, there are already tangible business benefits being derived from its use. What's more, there are even greater benefits to come, as employees learn to use these collaborative tools to communicate and share ideas on a scale and at a speed that has never been seen before.