Bringing Social to Software
"Bringing social to software" will track a new trend emerging in the world of Web 2.0. Google's OpenSocial, Broadband Mechanics' widgetization project with Bell Canada and numerous other efforts [NetVibes' platform and HiveLive] are proof that the paradigm of social networking is not necessarily the best way to "bring social features" to all forms of software. Whether it be Intranets, productivity software, search engines, PIMs, maps, email or legacy systems - social features will start appearing in ALL forms of software in 2008. This new trend is earmarked by an explosion of widget based services and applications which work inside of any social network or blog page. These widgets can be placed anywhere - certainly inside of a mail client or video editing product. Sharing, commenting, rating, news feeds, etc - are all features which can and will be deployed in environments OTHER than formal social network environments.