Web 2.0 (pronounced web 2 point oh) is a term coined by Tim O’Reilly referring to a generation of web based communities and hosted services. The popular ones being wikis, folksonomies and social networking sites. The thrust is meant to turn the www into a platform for software developers and end users.
Web 2.0 is built on technological infrastructures that include server software, content syndication, messaging protocols, standards based browsers with plugins and extensions, and various client applications. The technologies are different yet complementary in information storage, creation and dissemination capabilities which exceed those for most websites. One would need to learn one more of these techniques:
- rich Internet application techniques, optionally Ajax-based
- CSS
- semantically valid HTML mark-up and the use of micro formats
- syndication and aggregation of data in RSS/Atom
- clean and meaningful URLs
- extensive use of folksonomies
- use of Wiki software either completely or partially
- use of Open source software either completely or partially, such as the LAMP solution stack
- XACML over SOAP for access control between organisations and domains
- Weblog publishing
- Mashups
- REST or XML Web service APIs
- use of user-friendly content management systems (CMS) that are often open source, providing extensive website functionality at very low cost and reducing learning curves.
- optimized search engine capability for rational and largely used keywords
As a general rule Web 2.0 services are cheaper, easier to deploy and more flexible compared to their desktop equivalents. Because Web 2.0 tools are built around open standards and social media tools they enable new forms of collaboration that have a powerful impact upon the way an organisation works. The good news is that you do not have to create your own tools if you do not have the human resource and financial capacity. Below are some of the tools that can be used for different arms of the organisation:
Finance
- Google Docs and Spreadsheets Google’s Web-based word processing and spreadsheet applications are great for collaboration, and they’re compatible with their Microsoft Office equivalents.
- Zoho Sheet An online spreadsheet service that’s compatible with all Excel documents. An application programming interface (API) is available for enabling seamless integration with many other software tools.
- SalesBoom This hosted service started out as a customer relationship management product; today it has expanded to include commission and expense management. Limited customization options, but well-suited for smaller companies.
- Inkling Easy-to-create hosted prediction markets can be customized to match an existing corporate website. Free trial available.
- HSX Virtual Specialist Provides hosted prediction-market tools for complex forecasting problems such as anticipating box-office receipts for Hollywood movies.
Forecasting, Risk Assessment, or R&D
Human Resources
- Workday Human Capital Management Founded by the former CEO of PeopleSoft, Workday is a flexible, Web-based enterprise resources planning tool for human resources professionals.
- Cogenz Finds the best-informed or best-connected people by looking at whose bookmarks on a subject are most popular.
Marketing Communication
- Astoria Software A Web-based content management tool for coordinating all aspects of the production process, from project-based collaboration to tracking and syndication of published documents.
- Jadu Intranet 2.0 A Web-based content management system that offers products for non-technical users, government clients, and small- to large-size companies.
- Marqui Web-based content and project management tools for creating integrated marketing campaigns.
Project Teams
- IBM Lotus Connections Social software from Big Blue with modules that allow participants to create and share profiles, blogs, bookmarks, and project-status dashboards.
- BaseCamp A versatile project-management tool that combines blogs, lists, and multimedia content so users can track project milestones and communicate with team members.
- CentralDesktop A Wiki-based collaboration tool for non-technical users. Exceptionally easy to set up, with templates to help newbies get started.
Sales
- Salesforce.com The granddaddy of the Web 2.0 industry, with a flexible and well-developed suite of Web-based CRM products.
- Relenta CRM Based on a proprietary email client that tracks all sales-related communication, Relenta is targeted at small- to medium-sized companies.
- Microsoft Dynamics CRM Live The software giant’s Web-based version of the shrink-wrapped Dynamics product is expected to launch later in 2007.
