Web2.0: Hype vs. Reality

If you listen to the Web2.0 sales and marketing (or the research reports funded by Web2.0 vendors) you would think that Web2.0 has swept the enterprise. What does this mean to the masses of enterprise product product development companies? Nothing.

Web 2.0 term describes the evolution of web-based social-networking sites, video sharing sites, wikis, blogs, and folksonomies. All these services are like free webmail services which was there from 1996. This evolution is mainly because of the adoption of internet usage and availability of internet connections in various developing countries like China, India, etc. Amazon.com, for instance, has allowed users to write reviews and consumer guides since its launch in 1995, in a form of self-publishing.

Some technology experts, notably Tim Berners-Lee, have questioned whether one can use the term in any meaningful way, since many of the technology components of “Web 2.0” have existed since the early days of the Web.

My sincerely advice for enterprises are don’t waste your effort and money on Web2.0 hypes; if you seriously looking to upgrade your products’ technology keep an eye on AJAX, RIA on Desktop (Adobe AIR), etc. which can give enhanced accessibility and usability to your users.

If you are confused with term Web2.0 and RIA definition look into Wikipedia definition.

BTW, already sales and markeing people started talking about the new jargon Web3.0.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing all the hypes… Who knows? In a couple of years, you might find me in the loony bin!
– Leonardo DiCaprio