Google OpenSocial Released. Is this right for my company?

 

So what’s al the buzz about? Seems like Google’s OpenSocial Platform getting a lot of attention. With Google’s Orkut, LinkedIn, Hi5.com, , Friendster, Plaxo and Ning using it, it’s no wonder it’s getting so much attention. In addition, Oracle and salesforce.com are also supporting Google’s OpenSocial.

 

What is it?

 

According to the website OpenSocial.org:

 

“OpenSocial defines a common API for social applications across multiple websites. Built from standard JavaScript and HTML, developers can create apps with OpenSocial that access a social network's friends and update feeds. By using a common API, developers can extend the reach of their applications more quickly, yielding more functionality for users.”

 

Sites that have started using the technology include including features on sites such as Hi5.com, Viadeo, MySpace, Friendster, Orkut and Yahoo!.

 

The framework is based on HTML, JavaScript and the Google Gadgets Framework and includes three RESTful APIs:

 

·        People and Friends data API – allows your client applications to view users profiles as well as their friends. Can allow your client application to update a users’ profile from the API as well.

• Activities data API – intended to allow client applications ability to view and publish activities to the platform. You may for example view friend’s activities in real-time through a plug-in or use the API to create new entries.

 

• Persistence data API – allows client applications to manage or view content used by the application, such as pushing content from your servers that are consumed by your Gadgets and served by Google.

 

The buzz around the internet is this is a cross platform alterative to Facebook Platform where the developers would need to develop in Face Book Markup Language (FBML).

 

What about my data, is it safe?

 

According to TechCrunch, iLike which was running on ning was hacked within 20 minutes of launching.

 

Should this prevent you from adopting this technology?

 

As with much new technology, many will rush to adopt new technologies without a good understanding of the implications. Security has often become an afterthought to getting the beta out there. http://theharmonyguy.com has some very interesting articles on security on social networks. He was the one that TechCrunch article was based on.