Web 2.0 Principles
As of this writing, the term Web 2.0 is considered to be a buzz word in the online community. There is a fierce debate about whether or not it is radically different than Web 1.0. However, all the evidence shows that people are becoming more interested in the concept, and many conferences have been packed with people who are interested in learning more about this fundamental technology.
To understand why there is so much hyper surrounding Web 2.0, it is first important to understand the underlying principles that are connected to it. Web 2.0 is a platform that is connected to a large number of devices on the Internet.
The overall goal of Web 2.0 is to provide an online experience that is much richer than the experience we currently have with Web 1.0. The principles behind this new system are quite different than the Internet that existed a decade ago. One of the most important principles behind Web 2.0 is the fact that web based services are now available that can pull information from a number of different sources to serve them to the user. With this new system, data will be freed and exposed to everyone that wants to view it. In addition to this, the data can be altered in a number of different ways.
The ways in which data can be altered may be different from the original application. However, a number of experts have pointed out that there is no need for new technology to be made available for the release of data that was previously stored. Another powerful principle of Web 2.0 is the permission it gives for the construction of applications that are virtual. When this virtual application is constructed, data and functions can be pulled from a variety of different sources. In most cases, these applications will be small, and they can be deployed quickly within a short period of time. Currently, this function is only made available to a select few corporations.
Once Web 2.0 is introduced, this power will be given to individuals. Another principle that has often been connected to Web 2.0 is its ability to be participative. Historically, the Internet has been similar to traditional media in the sense that those who used it generally viewed information. Rather than participating in the online world as they surfed, they were mere spectators. The content basically flowed from the person who provided to those who wanted to view it. A number of statistics from 2006 show that well over 40% of online viewers actually took part in their experience rather than simply viewing it. Some of the things which make this possible are file sharing, forums, and video sharing site.
While this percentage is not expected to reach 100% in the near future, the introduction of Web 2.0 will allow this percentage to rise. One of the most powerful aspects of Web 2.0 is content that is user generated. There are a number website online that are now using this model. The ability for viewers to be involved in the application is one of the most important aspects of Web 2.0. One of the most important things that separate Web 2.0 from 1.0 is the fact that content can be generated to meet the needs of the individual user. The traditional Internet has been a place where viewers were forced to view what the provider wanted them to view. With Web 2.0, they can view what they want.
One term that is often used to describe Web 2.0 is modularity. This term is used to describe the ability of developers and users to pick from a variety of components to construct something that suits their needs.
The Web 2.0 applications can be used to build more applications. The developers responsible for the construction of Web 2.0 have stated that they are placing an emphasis on sharing. Sharing can include ideas, content, or even code. At the same time, business people should not take this to mean that they can’t make money. To be profitable on Web 2.0, businesses must become more skilled at adding value that is beyond the existing infrastructure. The most important aspect of this new system will be communication, and those who wish to succeed must understand the importance that communication plays on the web.
