NET11 Module 2 Introduction - What is Web 2.0?

I had never before thought about defining the concept of Web 2.0, while I suppose I was aware of it generally.  I didn't realise that there was such a term.  This week's learning defined the term, and while it can be described as a buzzword the actual intended meaning (on Wikipedia here) is the shift to an approach to the web that 'emphasies communication, collaboration and information sharing'.  User-centred design (whereby designers focus on the end-user's needs, wants and limitations, and the way they will likely be using the technology; and every facet of the design process centres around user testing and acceptance) is a key concept.

What IS Web 2.0?

Web 1.0 was characterised by the use of content designed for low-bandwidth users & static pages with infrequent updates; with the widespread acceptance of the concept of the web as a platform it has ceased to merely be seen as a catalogue of information.

Web 2.0 is typified by the web-based services that allow users to easily generate and publish content.  New tools such as blogs, social networking sites, and wikis.  Web 2.0 sites: typically offer a rich user experience, in some cases with as much functionality as a desktop application; are characterised by user participation, the seperation of form and content, and metadata (data about data) such as what is generated by user participation on tagging sites such as Del.ici.ous.  Cloud computing is the concept of seeing the web itself as a platform.  Tag Clouds are a common way of visually viewing metadata.

RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is basically a way for sites to publish the basics of their updates which is then pulled into one feed either by your own RSS reader on your desktop or using a web based reader.  It is a good way for people who are interested in multiple sites to know when there is an update they want to read.  Not just for news, anything that is updated regularly (such as blogs) can be monitored in this way.

Andrew McAfee argues that great benefit to business will be found by integrating the principles of Web 2.0 into companies, a process he terms Enterprise 2.0, and concurrently he describes SLATES, and acronym that describes the six key elements of Web 2.0 for enterprises.

• Search
• Links
• Authoring
• Tags
• Extensions
• Signals