Defining Web 2.0 becomes more of a challenge with each passing day. Concepts, applications, and technologies as diverse as online communities, Rich Internet Applications (RIA), microblogging, and cloud computing have all been tagged Web 2.0. Each Web 2.0 innovation provides new and exciting opportunities for businesses; they include areas such as increased brand awareness, enhanced customer support and feedback, cost savings through data center consolidation, and many more. |
Since well before the term "Web 2.0" was coined in 2004, Tallan has been innovating in online development, building next generation web applications in the areas of SaaS, SOA, RIA, Agile, and Web Anywhere. In the areas of Social Networking, Web as a Platform, and New Media, Tallan's recent projects for innovative companies, from startups to Fortune 1000, have brought unique engaging online experiences to millions of users.
Web 2.0 elements are found not only in online communities but also in sites of all kinds, including content-based sites and ecommerce marketplaces. Tallan uses best of breed modules, applications, and platforms to implement web 2.0 functionality for clients. Integrating existing tools and platforms helps Tallan develop robust, modern websites for clients without the time and cost necessary to custom develop each component. And for those times when only a custom-built tool will do, Tallan uses its technical expertise to develop functionality that integrates cleanly with the rest of the site.
Online communities are the hallmarks of Web 2.0, and this is what most people think of when they hear “Web 2.0.” Communities range from small, niche groups such as a site dedicated to discussion and reviews of independent films up to communities that connect friends from around the world on sites like MySpace and Facebook. Communities serve a variety of purposes for both people and businesses including: o Connecting with other people of a similar background or with similar interests o Fame, or getting noticed for something your good at o Developing strong brand loyalty o Receiving valuable, real time feedback from customers.
Other innovators in the social space include web businesses like Threadless, which enables its community members to submit and vote on new t-shirt designs; the winning design is produced and sold through the website. The Threadless model also provides the potential for fame and for meeting other likeminded people; unlike Facebook, Threadless’ success is more easily translatable into traditional business models in that their fundamental revenue driver is t-shirt sales. This model is known as crowd-sourcing, and the essential characteristic of all successful crowd-sourcing websites is a user base that is very passionate about the website’s concept (e.g., in the case of Threadless, unique t-shirts).
While many companies / organizations are not yet comfortable with open user forums discussing the flaws and assets of their products / services, it is increasingly common and is typically seen as a means by which to improve customer service and increase brand appeal. Customers venting frustrations are offered a “tender ear” and are comforted by a personal touch; and, any criticism or good idea can result in product improvements.
Innovation in the hardware space is creating a near-term future in which users will be online at all times: mobile phones, flickr photo frames, interactive flight TVs, AppleTVs, etc. The Internet is increasingly everywhere, and users are expecting to find what they want where ever they look for it. The most pressing need for any website is to support mobile browsing, and the most important of all mobile browsers is Safari on the iPhone: while only 6.5% of all US mobile phones are iPhones, over 60% of the mobile browsing nationwide is done on iPhones.
The increasing availability of broadband and the popularity of JavaScript has enabled the development of truly Rich Internet Applications (RIA), or applications that offer some of the richness of desktop software in a browser-based experience. While AJAX (Asynchronous JavaScript + XML) may strike many as nothing terribly new, it is reaching tremendous popularity and has created a new standard for how interactive websites must be.
Popular sites that employ modern RIA technology include iGoogle page wherein users can drag-and-drop modules around the screen to create a custom layout. Google Maps is another example of a popular use of RIA technologies, and it is especially interesting in that it has enabled the creation of innumerable map-based mash-ups. Some popular ones include the maps in Yelp, Family.com’s Travel section, and Weatherbonk. These mash-ups pull data from disparate sources to present information in a uniquely digestible way. |