Google Set To Debut OpenSocial Cross-Platform APIs Nov 1

Posted by Paul Glazowski on October 31st, 2007

Google’s finally let the cat out of the bag.

The company announced yesterday its intentions to create a project, dubbed OpenSocial (corresponding webpage is not active yet; Nov 1 is lauch day), very basically described to be a set of APIs, that will allow multiple platforms on the Web to play by a “universally” accepted common set of laws that will enable developers the option to “create applications that work on any social networks…that choose to participate.”

The reasoning for the “open” effort? To ensure that the social networking industry, which is still arguably in a youthful phase in its life, has its members’ various walls kept reasonably low (some barriers are necessary of course to address security threats) so as to allow as much growth and competition to endure long term. And, of course, to ensure that Google has a great big window of opportunity left open for its own interests. Regardless of where the Web winds blow in the social sector of the tech world, today, or years down the line, Google naturally wants to be a major - if not the major – presence in the field, be it in advertising or software development. No surprises there.

I’m sure you wondering one thing above all: What will OpenSocial’s standards apply to, exactly?

Well, it’s pretty simple, really. As far as what Google and its initial set of partners (LinkedIn, Hi5, Salesforce, Friendster, Ning, Plaxo, Viadeo, Oracle, Flixster, iLike, RockYou, Slide, and, most certainly, Orkut) have agreed to make cross-platform compatible, it is this:

• Profile Information (basic contact information, resume, etc.)

• Friends Information (your list of contacts)

• Activities (the stuff that involves personal (or professional) news; things RSS-related)

Okay, so, now you know what OpenSocial will generally involve. But you might have some hesitation as to whether you’re on board with the project or not. And understandably so.

I mean, your information’s technically going to be accessible “here, there, everywhere.” And though that can be convenient, ideally, it’s kind of, you know…creepy, right? Like, if something went wrong, you could have yourself compromised. Not just in one place, but several. And that could be a mess that’s more difficult to clean up than might now be the case. Far more difficult.

The thing is (and I’ll gladly eat my words if I’m wrong) I’m certain those who have partnered into the OpenSocial project (and those that may do so in the foreseeable future) have already placed security way atop this newfangled agenda of theirs, and, well, something tells me that together, they’ll be able to provide a rather superb setup. Not just a convenient one, but one under seemingly impenetrable lock-and-key. So don’t fret. Your info will be in (and stay in) good hands.

Probably, anyway.

Are we looking forward to the delivery of this collection of APIs? You betcha. There’s just a heck of a lot of good that will come of it. So much so that I can even imagine the social networking universe’s “Big Three” - MySpace, Facebook, and Bebo - will have strong inklings of wanting to join in, too, if only to not be seen as a stubborn elite uninterested in playing inside the same sandbox a dozen others get to enjoy.

What do you think of this new development? Good? Bad? OK? Don’t care? Let us know in the comments below. We read ‘em all. Promise.

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