OpenSocial

Google defined a set of common APIs that application developers can use to create applications that work on any social networks (called "hosts") that choose to participate. Programmers can build widgets that take advantage of personal data and profile connections on a social-networking site. Participating social networking sites include Friendster, Hi5, LinkedIn , MySpace , Ning, Oracle, Plaxo, Salesforce.com and Six Apart. The popular FaceBook site is absent, they have a proprietary API.

• http://code.google.com/apis/opensocial/ - OpenSocial home
• Wikipedia:OpenSocial = OpenSocial article on Wikipedia
• http://www.techcrunch.com/2007/10/30/details-revealed... - TechCrunch article

-- Contributors: PeterThoeny - 16 Nov 2007

Discussion

It is unclear yet how much traction OpenSocial will get. Big names are behind, although the 800lb FaceBook gorilla is absent.

Here is an idea: Build an OpenSocialPlugin that turns a TWiki site into a social networking host. This immediately opens up a wealth of widgets that can be placed in TWiki topics. For example, fancy user homepages and team dashboards could be assembled quickly, thus turning TWiki into a MashUp platform a la QEDWiki.

Feedback?

-- PeterThoeny - 16 Nov 2007