Google is announcing its OpenSocial project.
OpenSocial is a set of three common APIs, defined by Google with input from partners, that allow developers to access core functions and information at social networks:

  • Profile Information (user data)
  • Friends Information (social graph)
  • Activities (things that happen, News Feed type stuff)

I’ve said before that the huge plays of the future will be made by creating platforms – if Google succeeds in getting sufficient buy-in to OpenSocial – they will by default create the platform on which all the other platforms sit.

Those already confirming their involvement include;

  • Orkut
  • Salesforce
  • LinkedIn
  • Ning, Hi5
  • Plaxo
  • Friendster
  • Viadeo
  • Oracle

It’s fantastic timing – given the recent MS/Facebook deal – yet again the Googleplex has managed to steal the thunder, or crash the party of MS. Where will Google’s ascendency end?

Ben Kepes

Ben Kepes is a technology evangelist, an investor, a commentator and a business adviser. Ben covers the convergence of technology, mobile, ubiquity and agility, all enabled by the Cloud. His areas of interest extend to enterprise software, software integration, financial/accounting software, platforms and infrastructure as well as articulating technology simply for everyday users.

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