We had a team meeting last week that started a mini debate into what exactly Web 2.0 is. My initial reaction was that it is just a lot of hype - I understand it’s a lot to do with web-based applications - but that generally it’s given more emphasis than it needs. I was disgareed with by many people around the table. So I decided to do a bit of research into it myself…

My first stop was Wikipedia which defines Web 2.0 as:

“a percieved second-generation of web-based communities and hosted services - such as social-networking sites, wikis and folksonomies - which aim to facilitate collaboration adn sharing between users.”

It goes on to say that it is not a new version of the web or technologies used, but to HOW the web is used. So, yes, I believe I was right in this aspect. And apparently I am not alone in my view. However, I do appreciate that the way the web is used is changing with the use of sites like Facebook, users are now expecting to get a lot more back from the web rather than just online shopping and research.

I suppose my point was how will it affect our customers? And us? The majority of sites we develop are for people who want a company brochure type site or eCommerce, so how do we incorporate Web 2.0 theories into these sites?

I will not ignore Web 2.0 and am definitely interested in the social side of the Web…I guess I just don’t like buzz words!

Isn’t it amazing how fast the Easter break goes, I even took an extra 2 days off either side. I did discover that I am a bit of a geek as I spent a lot of the weekend on blogs, MySpace or facebook. Not just finding friends but trying to work out why they are so successful. My findings? Well, people just like to stay in touch and a letter only works if you know their address. I managed to find so many people that I haven’t seen or heard from in so long. The Internet is making the world a very small place indeed. (A profound statement I know - especially for my first day back in work! But one I am going to leave you with)