seo web design las vegas nv

Archive for October, 2008

30 OctWeb 2.0 Technology

Web 2.0 is considered to be a collective term for technology that is based on long standing principles that are applicable to the Internet, but which are now enhanced in certain fundamental ways. Proponents of this concept of a second generation of the World Wide Web include such elements as web logs (blogs), social bookmarking, podcasts, wikis, and online auctioning. The idea is that these sort of elements are not just part of the Internet, but actually drive the process of data collection and assimilation in ways that are far more advanced than even the applications of ten years ago.

By seeing the Internet as a platform for data, and data as the driving force behind the success of the Internet, the idea is that in order to thrive and grow, the Internet must adapt to improvements in old strategies, even as it makes room for new applications and features. For example, the creation of VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, impossible at the time the Internet became accessible to the general public, is now routinely in use for not only international communications, but local applications as well.

Web 2.0 technology addresses these types of enhanced applications that were either not envisioned as part of the Internet in years past, or which were still in such a limited form that mass usage was not possible. Providing a designation for developments of this nature helps to draw a line between what was, and what has come to be.

Already, the concept of Web 2.0 technology is being challenged by persons who claim that the time has come for a designation of Web 3.0 applications. However, with many people still challenging the need for identifying some technology as being indicative of a next generation of the Internet, the whole point of graduated designations is still largely moot. It is important for every web designer to understand web 2.0. technology and applications fully so that he can utilize all these techniques to the maximum advantage.

26 OctWeb 2.0 Tools

In defining just what the concept of Web 2.0 entails, it is necessary to take a look at the kinds of online tools that are relatively new to Internet users, but have gained a firm hold on the usage patterns of large segments of the population. Here are a few examples of Web 2.0 Tools, and why they deserve to be identified as tools of the second generation of the Internet.

One of the more interesting classification of tools that are considered part of the Web 2.0 revolution are those that have made enhancements to basic tools that were already in place at the advent of the World Wide Web. Among these is the tool of XHTML. Offering applications that are much more feature rich than classic HTML, this tool builds on the success of the original, and encompasses all its qualities. Enhanced semantically correct markup is one of the innovations that help take this tool to the next level.

Web log or blogging tools are another example of tools that are generally associated with Web 2.0. Providing just about anyone the space and ability to expound on any subject he or she chooses, blogging has become a national pastime, as well as a means of creating spaces where it is possible to pick up a few dollars by allowing ads to be placed on the pages. Interactive blogs allow visitors to leave comments and ask questions, which only makes the sites that much more attractive to many people. This is one of the more popular and usable Web 2.0 tools.

Open source software is a third example of Web 2.0 tools that has become more efficient and more widely accepted. From operating systems to office suites, open source software has changed the way people do business, as well as compile data for storage and use in the home. The trend is the development of more sophisticated applications of open source software in years to come, which means there will be even more innovations that will be enjoyed five and ten years from now.

26 OctWeb 2.0 Security

When discussing the concept of a second generation of the World Wide Web, there is often a concern expressed about how these newer applications will address some of the issues that have come to the fore over the last ten years. One of those has to do with tools that will minimize online identity theft and provide secure connections that allow persons to share data and shop with confidence. The fact is that Web 2.0 security is already implemented in several ways.

Over the last several years, it has become apparent that as the use of ecommerce has grown, so has the number of incidences when personal information is stolen. Solutions that are part of the Web 2.0 initiative are already launched that encrypt personal information. These solutions make it much more difficult for hackers to get into customer databases and lift information such as Social Security numbers, credit card data, mailing addresses, and other information that is often used to steal identities. Generally referred to a secure site, this technology is continuing to evolve, and will no doubt continue to do so over the long haul.

A current issue is that not every online store and every online vendor has adopted this newer version of Web 2.0 security. This can be confusing for the customer, who may or may not be shopping at a secure site. To help cut down on this state of confusion, more sites are proclaiming that the web store is located on a secure site, which is proving to be an excellent public relations tool.

Over time, the security measures that are still cutting edge today will no doubt become more of the standard. In the interim, it is a good idea for the consumer to choose to do business with online sites that have chosen to implement Web 2.0 security applications. This not only protects the customer, but also sends a clear message that the successful storeowner is one that provides safe purchasing options.

24 OctPopular Web 2.0 Applications

While many of the innovations of the Internet have been associated with the concept of Web 2.0, there is some debate about which applications have proven to be the most popular with the majority of the web users. Here are some suggestions about which Web 2.0 application may be the most popular, in terms of recognition and regular usage.

Online auctions are considered to be an application that is associated with Web 2.0. Certainly, there is no doubt that auction giants have changed the way many people look for items to purchase. As means of finding obscure items as a bargain price, as well as selling items for a little extra pocket money, this is one application that ranks very high for many Internet users.

Online social networking is another application that gets a lot of attention. Whether as a means of making friends, seek love connections, or just finding a date for the evening, social networking is an application that seems to grow each year. Since the many networking sites online to day often cater to special interests or hobbies, there is something for just about everyone with this Web 2.0 application.

A third common application is the web log, or blog. People love to read blogs almost as much as people like to create them. Most people have some sort of focus for their blogs, such as building it around a hobby. Freelancers often use blogs to attract attention to them and their work. Blogs also help to make money, since it is possible to place ads on the sites. When people click on the ads, the owner of the blog makes a little money. All these are ideas that were possible back in the early days of the Internet, but not thought through well enough to implement until more recently.

Any Web 2.0 application is sure to attract a certain sector of the consumer base. While it may be hard to determine which of the several applications is indeed the most popular, the good news is that all of them are here and available to anyone who wants to make good use of these enhanced applications.

22 OctWeb 2.0 Design

The whole concept of a second generation of the Internet has led some people to wonder just what type of applications could properly be included as part of Web 2.0 design. Here are some suggestions of enhanced services or innovations that have appeared in recent years and become part of what many believe is the foundation for the next level of the World Wide Web.

Part of the changing face of the Internet has been enhanced by the creation of web logs, or blogs as they are known. Blogs have become ways for persons to not only have a site that is their own personal soapbox, but also can often be a means of generating extra money. With the use of adword technology as a means of allowing ads to be displayed on the blog, the owner picks up ad revenue for any clicks through to the originator of the ads. Also, blog owners often use their space to offer their own electronic products, which makes the idea of a blog even more of a money maker.

Auction sites are also considered an integral part of the new landscape. From their early days as a means of allowing people to clean out their closets, the auction sites of today now offer people the option of setting up an online store, as well as the ability to buy or sell high priced items such as homes and cars. As an example of Web 2.0 design, the auction site is a classic. There is no doubt that auction sites have evolved, or that their presence on the Internet has changed the way consumers shop.

There are a number of business models, social networks, and other innovations that have certainly changed the Internet a great deal since its inception. Many of theses newer applications form the basis of the Web 2.0 concept. Look around online and see what you can find that is used daily today, but was not even available ten or fifteen years ago. Chances are you will have identified an element that is truly part of the essential Web 2.0 design.

20 OctWeb 2.0 Ecommerce

While the Internet has always had the ability to help create a source of revenue, the last several years have seen an explosion of applications that are often considered to be part of a new wave in Internet technology. When it comes to buying and selling online, the options are greater today than ever. Here are some of the characteristics that identify Web 2.0 Ecommerce today.

One important concept is that doing business online today is easier than ever. There is the ability to create business accounts online in just a few moments. Making purchases and selling goods or services has never been easier. The process normally takes only a short time, and can be completed with an ease that is greater than even writing out a check. The simple process of being able to conduct business on the web has allowed many small companies to thrive in a way that was never possible before.

Security is another characteristic of the newer Web 2.0 Ecommerce applications. Concerns about unauthorized use of credit cards, identity theft, and other abuses have made the need to create safeguards that protect both consumers and suppliers from fraud are better now than they have ever been. Secure sites to purchase goods and services are found all over the Internet. In fact, most people will no longer do business with a site that is not secure.

Online shopping has become easier as well. Delays in page loads, or images that would not display often slowed down early attempts at online shopping. Today, the technology is much more streamlined, making it possible to display items for sale as well as allow for searches of the stock to be conducted with ease. Certainly, as an example of what Web 2.0 Ecommerce has added to the table, the ability to browse through an online store is a true example of a characteristic that will bring people back again and again.

18 OctWeb 2.0 Software

One of the concerns that often comes to mind when consumers hear about the concept of Web 2.0 is about the cost associated with new applications and software. What will happen when these initiatives are implemented? Will this mean more expenses for the consumer to absorb in order to be able to access and use the Internet? Here are some things you should know about the initiation of Web 2.0 software and what it will mean for both personal and business users of the World Wide Web.

The first thing to understand is that there are already Web 2.0 software that have been implemented. Such important functions as VoIP applications, Internet phone service, and increased security with online banking and shopping are commonly considered to be part of the Web 2.0 initiative. When it comes to these sorts of innovations, the fact of the matter is that the new software has not led to an increase in cost to the consumer. In fact, in many cases these newer services have led to a decrease in the costs that a customer pays for the same types of service through more traditional means. There is every indication that this will be true for many of the newer software packages that emerge in the years to come.

Of course, there is no iron-clad guarantee that all forms of Web 2.0 software will prove to be available at no additional costs to everyone. Businesses who want to take advantage of some of the newer software applications that are under development will no doubt have to pay a nice price to obtain them. Still, the value what will be derived from the implementation of the software, in terms of labor savings, time savings, and increased sales, will no doubt offset the initial investment in a very short time. Thus, while there will be some applications that will require outlay on the part of some of the users of the Internet, recouping the purchase price should take place in a very short time in many cases.