Understanding the Terms
While Web 2.0 can be hard to define, it’s often used as a blanket term for a handful of specific technologies, including:
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Blogs
Officially “Web logs” (although using that term will draw blank stares), blogs can be online diaries but more often take the form of a running conversation between a site owner and people who visit that site. They often focus on a specific topic or issue, and some Web sites may feature many blogs. -
Mash-ups
A combination of content from various sources that results in something new, such as a map combined with photos, restaurant listings, weather reports, and so on. -
MMOGs
Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOGs) that permit you to play against other players using voice-over-Internet, typed chat or other communication tools that enable collaboration. Xbox 360™, World of Warcraft and RuneScape are popular examples of MMOGs. -
Peer-to-peer (P2P) Networks
A method of sharing files on the Internet or private networks that distribute content across many machines. -
Podcasts
Downloadable audio/video content meant to be played back on portable media players (like Apple iPod) or personal computers. -
Social Networking
Online communities that allow members to share contacts and other information. They can be public (Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn) or private (run by a company or other organization, with membership limited). -
RSS
Really Simple Syndication (RSS) is a feed technology, a way to subscribe to online news, podcasts, and so on, often with a means of viewing them in aggregate. -
Wikis
Collaborative content creation systems that allow for multiple authorship, with Wikipedia being perhaps the best known example.Reference
Leibs, S. 2008. Risk Management: Web 2.0, Confusion 1.5. [Online] Available at: http://www.cfo.com/article.cfm/10754970/1/c_2984351 [Accessed 6 October 2008]
