Google’s OpenSocial - One API To Rule Them All

It appears that Google has released an API that will interface with social network sites that choose to partner with Google - “for the good of the Internet” Google’s proposed solution was released in detail at the Google Campfire One event.

So, you might be asking yourself, “what is OpenSocial?” OpenSocial is Google’s solution to the growing problem developers face in that they are having to learn site specific APIs to create applications for the myriad of social networking sites that are on the internet. With OpenSocial, developers will be able to create their applications and deploy them to all OpenSocial partners: MySpace, Friendster, Plaxo, Bebo, etc. with one written language.

OpenSocial strives to break the barrier and the associated burdens that tax the developers due to site specific APIs. The good news for developers is that they will not have to learn a new language - all they need to know is their HTML and Javascript. It appears that there is some resistance from Facebook and it does not appear that they will be joining the alliance anytime soon. The premise behind this idea seems to be a solid one, on the surface. However, I worry that Google may be getting too many of their hands into too many different projects. Not sure if I would want Google controlling more than they already do.

Check it out in more detail here.

Google’s Campfire One - Video Presentation of OpenSocial:

That’s All I Got,
4Four1ones