Web 2.0 as a platform

Web 2.0-giants like Myspace, Facebook, Google, Youtube and Salesforce.com,, a.k.a.  "native citizens" of the web,  offer  Internet platforms that allow users to communicate digitally and interactively. Social networking, blogging, video sharing, instant messaging and wikis are just a few examples of these new communication channels. Companies like Google also offer alternatives to traditional desktop applications (like Microsoft Office), and knowledge management systems.

The business model of these Internet companies consists of a Web platform with an eco system of users, a development environment, and the right network to capitalize on their innovations. Contrary to the traditional IT players and software providers, these companies also have a social aspect. They work closely together in the field of data portability and they make sure that their different solutions are easy to integrate. By doing so, they will be able to offer an alternative platform for established operating systems, with users only needing an Internet browser to run their applications. In addition, these companies keep innovating by investing in standards, data privacy and security. As a result, these platforms are not only accessible with a PC but also by mobile phone and smart phone. These trends ensure an accelerated convergence of the Internet and mobile telephony, which will in turn deliver innovating products and services.

Figures from Morgan Stanley prove that Web 2.0 is not just hype: VOIP, social networks, video and payments saw spectacular growth in 2008. With 370 million users, Skype is already the biggest telecom operator after China Mobile. PaypallŽs user community already has 65 million members and over 15 billion dollarsŽ worth of transactions. Social network sites like My Space and Facebook are, with more than 100 million users, bigger digital communities than countries like France, Germany or Italy. Ghent-based Netlog puts Belgium also at the forefront of the trend . With already more than 35 million European users, this social network platform shows just how big a small country can be.

Despite the current economic situation, American Forrester Research predicts that companies will increasingly invest in Web 2.0 technologies like Really Simple Syndication (RSS), Mash Ups and social networking. The market for this new generation of Internet technology should grow to 4.5 billion dollars by 2013.