What Is Web 2.0?
Web 2.0 is a term that has been applied to the “2nd Generation” of the World Wide Web. It describes a perpetual transition of the Web from a huge network of websites to a complete platform of web based applications. In laymen’s terms it means that communication has shifted from one-way (i.e. mp3 download sites) to two-way (i.e. Napster). Participation and interactivity are the differentiating factors. This can include everything from blogging to delivering SaaS (Software as a Service). It is the ability to connect people, applications, and information in innovative ways that were previously only imaginative ideas. Let's take the SaaS example. Let's say your computer catches a nasty virus and you need to get it cleaned up. Traditional means would send us to the nearest computer store to purchase the latest antivirus software package. The Web 2.0 way is to hit the net and google for "online virus scanner." Once you decide on one of the myriad of results you'll get, you go to the chosen vendor's website and select thier online virus scan. You get asked for a confirmation to install a plugin in your browser, click ok, and instant virus scan right through your browser using the latest virus definitions. No fuss, no muss. That's just a simple example. The possibilities are endless. Software giants like Microsoft are even trying to move toward this concept as a means of delivering packages like Microsoft Office.