Web 2.0

Eventhough its name suggests a new release of software, Web 2.0 represents an emerging trend in web technology (hence the 1.0 vs. 2.0 viewpoint). As with most trends, a single definition has yet to emerge, though generally Web 2.0 refers to the model that web content is shaped partially or entirely by the users (vs. a read-only site published by a sponsoring company) - in effect, the users, create a (sub)culture centered around the site.

From your organization's perspective and your website goals, Web 2.0 might appear far out there, but often with business and organizations, "think-early, think-often". Is there an organizational strategy that will embrace the trend as it continues to be reality? How will you make your content accessible, perhaps early on as an electronic brochure (informational site), and later on, as a content service provider site?

Some opportunities include:

• Software as a Service
  The web is a content (and capability) delivery mechanism. In the extreme, the web becomes the computing platform, through which your organization's services can be published. SaaS provides significant value through cost-reduction, high-levels of convenience, and low-levels of maintenance for customers.
  
  
• Mashups and WOA
  Intertwined in Web 2.0 are Mashups and Web oriented architectures (a variant of Service Oriented Architectures. Mashups and WOA combine data from more than one source into a single integrated tool, creating a new and distinct web service that was not originally provided by either source. Mashups typically derive from a third party source via a public interface or API (web services).

Of course there are other fringe trends in this area (read more here), with a time horizon perhaps measured in years, but as we continue to see, time compresses quickly, leaving us behind the times before we'd care to admit.

Today, Web 2.0 isn't for everyone, but we include it here to spark the discussion, and extend your thoughts.