One of the biggest players in the Web 2.0 arena is Google. And, there are many others. Social networking sites such as MySpace.com, YouTube.com, and Facebook.com have popularized Web 2.0 for the masses.
However, businesses have been slow to fully embrace the Web 2.0 platform. This is a shame, really, since the Web 2.0 model has a lot to offer businesses in the form of inexpensive, reliable, quick-to-deploy applications and services.
The aversion to Web 2.0 by businesses may be predicated on their perspective of how it's used by the social networking sites. Although these sites serve a useful purpose and are accessed by millions of people, they are considered too informal or casual and a frivolous use of bandwidth for "real" businesses. In fact, many businesses routinely block social networking sites for that reason.
That's not to say that some Web 2.0 components aren't used by businesses. The ubiquitous web browser is fast becoming the preferred front-end for in-house applications. The web browser is a natural user interface (UI) client for business applications simply because nearly everyone is familiar with using it.
Businesses also use Internet mapping services from Yahoo, Google, MapQuest and others for planning trips. Weather sites are also helpful in planning a business trip. Another business use of online services is buying equipment and supplies.
As a matter of fact, I routinely use online services to help with my business. From online banking to online backups, news and RSS feeds to business research, weather and travel to dictionary and thesaurus search, and of course email and calendaring, these services are invaluable in the course of my work.
It may be just a matter a time for mainstream businesses to fully adopt Web 2.0 as part of their strategic direction. After all, it's hard to argue with the success of the early adopters.
As the applications and services become more sophisticated, they will certainly earn a significant place in modern business. Perhaps 2008 will be the year this happens.
By Harry Hiles, HBH Technology LLC — 26 Jan 2008
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