What is Web 2.0?

The phrase "Web 2.0" first became popular in 2004, after the first O'Reilly Media Web 2.0 conference. It is most often used to describe how the world wide web has changed since it's infancy (informally, "1.0").

The current focus with Web 2.0 technologies is based around the ideas of collaboration, simple information sharing between users, and assisting users in their creative process. Simplicity is the key; don't overload the user with information and leave it to them to decide how to navigate. Give visitors clear signposts, and improve the overall web experience.

This overall change in the direction of information technology has led to such popular web applications as:

• Myspace
• Facebook
• Google's wide range of services
• Youtube
• Twitter
• Flickr
• Last.fm
• Blogger
• Wordpress
• And many, many more.

Also available are browser-based "operating systems", or more correctly application platforms. One example of this is EyeOS (www.eyeos.org). They provide the look and feel of traditional desktop operating systems, while running web applications directly from the browser for common uses such as word processing.

The development of rich internet applications implementing techniques such as AJAX, Silverlight, and Flash has led to a revolution in the creation and propagation of content. This type of design process makes it easier on developers and users alike.

Social networking, wikis, blogs, file sharing, podcasting, content feeds, and project collaboration have taken the web in a new direction. More people are online now than ever before, and many use the web as their primary source of information, communication, and organization.

Employing simplicity is also easing the learning curve for new users. Rather than having to navigate on your own, many Web 2.0 sites guide you through a step by step process for things like account registration, content creation, and support.

This Web 2.0 phenomenon is also increasing business opportunities, and allows entrepreneurs to take advantage of the unique features of the internet, such as global audiences and rich browser-based applications.

Spammers have also utilized this internet transformation, using social networking and online video to spread their marketing. This is not such an enormous threat as it seems, as there will always be marketers. Marketing makes the economy move, and this new form of "spam" really can't be defined as spam at all. Unsolicited email is still being sent as persistently as ever, but many marketers are using social avenues to promote their products, rather than directly harrassing an individual's email account.

In closing, Web 2.0 is a chance. A chance to globalize our cultural individualities. A chance to reach out, and access a global network of people, ideas, discussion, knowledge, and progress. A chance to change our lives for the better, and look forward to the next horizon of the speculated Web 3.0.