With both tools and users growing at a rapid pace, social networking is becoming more and more intricately involved in the standards of the 21st century.  However the user experience is also in an ever-changing state.  This requires sites to adapt through the use of applications that not only keep users engaged but also advance work output.  

Cheng discusses the various instruments touted as the drivers of future engagements in the social networking sphere.

In her brief keynote address, Cheng talks about Bing Twitter, a tool which keeps users updated on the hottest topics on twitter using the Bing search engine; Fast, a Microsoft-acquired enterprise search product which connects people to information through engaging experiences that drive better results; Docs.com, a tool which allows Facebook users to share Microsoft Office files on the social networking site; and lastly, Spindex, which allows users to access and interact with social networks, see trends from friends, and "see related info from Bing on literally everything you click on".

The FUSE Lab focuses on real-time and media rich experiences and is located in Redmond, WA, Cambridge, MA, and Cambridge, UK.

Lili Cheng is general manager of Microsoft’s Future Social Experiences (FUSE) Labs, which focuses on software and services that are centered on social connectivity, real-time experiences, and rich media. Previously, Lili was director of user experience for Microsoft Windows, where from 2004 to 2006 she oversaw design, user research, user assistance and advanced development for Windows Vista. Prior to Microsoft, Lili worked in Apple Computer’s Advanced Technology Group, on the User Interface research team, where she focused on Quicktime Conferencing and Quicktime VR. Lili is also a registered architect; she worked in Tokyo and Los Angeles for Nihon Sekkei and Skidmore Owings and Merrill on commercial urban design and large-scale building projects. She has taught at NYU-Interactive Telecommunications as well as Harvard University.

Resources:
Web 2.0 Expo
Microsoft FUSE Labs
FAST