Monday, February 18, 2013

Quick and Dirty Notes on Web 2.0

If you’ve been to another planet between 1999 to present, you might be wondering, “What is Web 2.0?” But for many of us earthlings who have been long around to witness the not-so-gradual transitions and developments in web technologies, Web 2.0 simply means the web as we now know it, a place where everyone and anyone can be connected, with all its interactive features like Facebook, IM, blogs, RSS, SEO and all those other cool digital things that we love.


Image Credit:Wikipedia

This widely-used jargon originated from Tim O’Reilly during a 1999 brainstorming session among O’Reilly Media and MediaLive International, where it was referred to as an updated version of the World Wide Web that previously utilized static pages. It is an umbrella term that describes how software and program developers and web users now utilize the Web – through collaborative and interactive social dialoguing in digital communities like social media channels, wikis, hosting and video sharing services and other web applications. In contrast, the olden Web 1.0 offered less interaction for users, allowing mere text or graphic viewing of content.

Along with the birth of the dot-com came revolutionary interactive applications and sites, which signaled the turning point for the entire WWW era. In Web 1.0, there was mp3.com, the online Britannica, personal websites. Web 2.0 gave birth to their alter egos: Napster, Wikipedia and blogs.

Today, more than being a medium for interaction, Web 2.0 has become a channel for aspiring job seekers and businesses to market what they have to offer.

·         Blogs

For many content writers and freelancers, blogs serve as their online portfolio for clients to look at should they require work samples. Companies also use these web-based journals to showcase their offerings and artwork. Videographers for instance, use vlogs to embed previously crafted wedding videos for potential clients to see. Others like strategic digital marketing firm 9Dotstrategies, use blogs to create more awareness among virtual communities and help web users gain additional information when it comes to web development, web design and content.

·         Instant Messaging (IM)

IMs like YahooMessenger and Skype make real-time web interaction possible across the web. For some companies, interviewing applicants online is coursed through IMs especially if the interviewer (usually a high-ranking senior) is based off-shore.

·         Podcast

This is an audio file which can be downloaded and played on mobile devices, and is typically used by employers when they need to send audio messages to applicants.

·         Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

SEO is a strategic method that involves web-based technicalities in order to increase search engine traffic to a particular site. Many bloggers and businesses apply SEO techniques to effectively drive more visitors and consequently, more revenue – through ads, among others – to their sites.

·         Social media channels

Beyond social networking sites, social media also includes web-based applications like blogs, photo sharing, RSS and video streaming which enable faster and more efficient communication and sharing of files. This is a very effective tactic for engaging an audience and boosting online presence.

If you are an individual or company who seriously needs to take your business up a notch, take advantage of the virtual powers of Web 2.0.