User:Voltaria

Web2.0: Explanations, Applications and Anticipations

The buzz word, “Web 2.0”, is one that has come to the forefront of both media and technological areas. It is the phrase used to describe the ever changing trends and uses on the internet. This is most evident and confirmed through the mass participation of internet users alike within Web 2.0. Definition: Web 2.0 Originally, the term meant using "the web as a platform," for web-based applications. Web 2.0 doesn't have a hard boundary, but rather, a gravitational core. Web 2.0 can be thought of as a set of principles and practices that tie together internet sites that demonstrate some or all of those principles that 2.0 has to offer. Purpose: The purpose of web 2.0 is to allow users to better interface with the net itself. This includes a full personalization and interaction with the web itself through user friendly websites that allow for customization. Instead of just browsing the net, users can now create their own internet settings and profiles on websites like igoogle, myspace and last.fm. History: The notion of Web 2.0 came about after the “dotcom” bust. There was a loss of faith in the effectiveness of the internet [1]. There became a need to make the point that the web mattered again. The "2.0" referred to a new set ideas and functions made available within the internet itself.

The phrase "Web 2.0" first arose in 2001 with a brainstorming session between Tim O'Reilly and Medialive International [4]. Medialive International is a telecommunications technology company. BNET.com describes Medialive International; “Medialive provides a complete solution enabling the secure digital content distribution and leading to the emergence of new multimedia services.” Tim O'Reilly is the founder of O'Reilly Media book and online publishers (formerly O'Reilly & Associates) that publishes books and web sites and produces conferences on computer technology topics [3], and associated with the founding of internet 2.0. He coined the term “the web as a platform” during his first conference on Web 2.0.

“Web as a platform” refers to the idea that Web 2.0 has a dynamic boundary, not a static once [3]. By the second conference, what "Web 2.0" seemed to mean was something about democracy, as it was referred to online by those taking interest [4].

Democracy is the second major point that makes web 2.0 desirable and easy to use applications on the internet. With the use of interactive programs such as Wikipedia, anyone can not only access the information on a whim, but anyone can contribute their knowledge on the subject to further the depth and breadth of the topic [3].

"Ajax" is a group of interrelated web development techniques used to create interactive web applications [2]. According to their website, “…Ajax, web applications can retrieve data from the server asynchronously in the background without interfering with the display and behavior of the existing page” [2]. Many browser-based "operating systems" have emerged, including EyeOS and YouOS [5]. Although coined as such, many of these services function less like a traditional operating system and more as an application platform. They mimic the user experience of desktop operating-systems, offering features and applications similar to a PC environment, as well as the added ability of being able to run within any modern browser [2].

The use of Ajax has led to an increase in interactive animation on web pages. “Data is retrieved using the XMLHttp Request object or through the use of Remote Scripting in browsers that do not support it” [6]. Despite the name, the use of JavaScript and XML is not actually required, nor do the requests need to be asynchronous [5]. New software is being written to take advantage of Ajax. As stated by John Moore, an expert programmer within Ajax, “There hasn't been such a wave of new applications since microcomputers first appeared” [2].

Examples: Web 1.0 Web 2.0 DoubleClick		Google AdSense Ofoto		Flickr Akamai		BitTorrent Mp3.com		Napster Britannica Online		Wikipedia

Pros: Democracy: Anyone can use the applications with little to no experience Contribution: Community like environment Little to no expense for user Cons: Because anyone can change or alter information that is displayed Too much information can lead to misinformation Little to no regulation of information on Web 2.0

Potential Problems: Much like it’s “dotcom” predecessor, Web 2.0 has rapidly inflated in usage, thus prompting the worry about another “bubble” [1]. Unlike the dotcom bust, companies are continuously investing into the 2.0 phenomenon. However, the reason this won't turn into a second Bubble is that the IPO market is gone. Venture investors are driven by exit strategies. Now the default exit strategy is to get bought, and acquirers are less prone to irrational exuberance than IPO investors.

Web 2.0 and Beyond: With the demand for services high, the Internet must evolve if it will meet the ever changing needs of webmasters, web developers, programmers, and the general public. Proponents of Web 2.0 feel that it will play a pivotal role in the evolution of the Internet. They feel that it will take the Internet from being a distribution tool for large companies to becoming a distribution tool for individual consumers [1].

References

[1] Hinchcliffe, Dion. "The State of Web 2.0". Web Services Journal. http://web2.wsj2.com/the_state_of_web_20.htm. Retrieved on 2/10/2009.

[2] Moore, John. "What is Ajax?". RIAspot.com. http://www.riaspot.com/articles/entry/What-is-Ajax-. Retrieved on 2/10/2009.

[3] O'Reilly, Tim. "What Is Web 2.0". O'Reilly Network. http://www.oreillynet.com/pub/a/oreilly/tim/news/2005/09/30/what-is-web-20.html. Retrieved on 2/10/2009.

[4] O’Reilly, Tim. "Web 2.0 Conference". conferences.oreillynet.com. http://conferences.oreillynet.com/pub/w/32/presentations.html. Retrieved on 2/10/2009.

[5] Quian, Mark ("Building an AJAX Application (1): It isn't called AJAX but Remote Scripting". coolshare.com. http://www.coolshare.com/remotescriptguru/html/not_ajax.htm. Retrieved on 2/10/2009.

[6] Bnet. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_2006_April_28/ai_n26843161. Retrieved on 2/10/2009.