Web 2.0 is the new kid on the block. Just what is it? Where is it going? Is it a software program or a technological aspect that is getting ready to make its debut any day now? Well, in actuality, it is neither of these. Web 2.0 are tools and ideas working together to make the internet more user friendly and easier to navigate. Just how many new ideas have you noticed that has come to the internet in the last five years?
This whole concept may include AJAX, social bookmarking, RSS feeds, tags, and blogs. Of course, this does not even begin to encompass the whole concept of web 2.0, but it does give you a relatively good idea. Each and every day, we use Web 2.0 as a whole. With all the cell phones, ipods, Blackberry, and the convenience it offers, you are relishing technology with just everything you do, unconsciously.
There was a web 1.a century ago in "internet years" that is. Think of it this way: the "old" internet is web 1 and the "new" internet, is web 2.0. What could you really do? With 1.0, websites were static, they were not attractive in terms of the latest in interactive and animated websites with 2.0. With Web 2.0, updates are as regular and necessary as the sun coming up each day, with 1.revisions were almost nonexistent for websites of any form. Now, let us compare some of the differences, to give you a better picture.
Comparing Web 1.0 with Web 2.0
With Web 1.0 if you really wanted to look something up, you had something similar to an online dictionary. You could look up a definition, but that was about the extent of it. With Web 2.0, you have the concept of Wikipedia, which provides you deep and intuitive information submitted directly by other users. This is so much more than just a simple definition, this is an entire history or background of virtually any topic.
With Web 1.0, you essentially had personal websites. They were not updated all that frequently and they essentially did not do a whole lot. With Web 2.0, blogging is the latest and greatest. Blogging is used as both a personal journal and for business purposes at the same time. Gaining more traffic and more interest than ever before.
With Web 1.0, many webmasters relied upon page views to determine traffic. Now with Web 2.0, cost per click or pay per click are doing the traffic work. Page views are no longer necessary in knowing the amount of traffic your website generates. The amount you pay per click is now the best indicator.
Before, if you wanted the news, you had to go looking for it. RSS feeds now do that for you automatically and delivers it directly to you. Several websites have automatic RSS feeds that consumers will have options to receive and there are one stop type shops that exists that would allow one to register for different feeds simultaneously, so one can avoid having to look for the news and headlines.
Tagging is also a Web 2.0 technology. Tags allow users to search for specific items and information that they are looking for. It really simplifies the internet for users everywhere. When a person makes a post on a blog or social bookmarking websites, they can identify tags. When a user searches for these tags, they will find the posts that relate to their search terms.
Essentially, Web 2.0 just makes the internet a more user friendly and easier place to work, play, shop, and research. Now that you know how Web 1.0 has evolved to Web 2.0, where is it going from here?
Seeking Web 3.0
No one can really predict the future of the internet. It is too impossible to tell, however, there are some standards and paths that can lead us in the right direction for predictions. There are so many possibilities for the future of the internet that it is extremely hard to predict. Many people are leaning towards artificial intelligence for the internet. They are also indicating that computer graphics will be more sophisticated, web applications will be more modular and internet will be bullet speed with web 3.0.
People expect that Web 3.0 will bring innovative ways to build applications. They will be smaller and have the ability to run on multiple devices. Then there is always those who believe that the entire internet will become three dimensional.
There are many different ideas on how Web 3.0 will develop from Web 2.0. It is anyone's guess and as the internet continues to evolve, the Web of any "version" will become smarter, more interactive, and easier to use with each passing year. The expansion of the internet since inception has been huge and there is ample opportunity for growth and potential.
