Open Social

OpenSocial is a set of three common APIs, defined by Google with input from partners, that allow developers to access core functions and information at social networks:

* Profile Information (user data)
* Friends Information (social graph)
* Activities (things that happen, News Feed type stuff)

Hosts agree to accept the API calls and return appropriate data. Google won’t try to provide universal API coverage for special use cases, instead focusing on the most common uses. Specialized functions/data can be accessed from the hosts directly via their own APIs.

Unlike Facebook, OpenSocial does not have its own markup language (Facebook requires use of FBML for security reasons, but it also makes code unusable outside of Facebook). Instead, developers use normal javascript and html (and can embed Flash elements). The benefit of the Google approach is that developers can use much of their existing front end code and simply tailor it slightly for OpenSocial, so creating applications is even easier than on Facebook. via TechCrunch

About a week ago Google unveiled its Open Social platform. Me being a strong Open Source supporter had to write about this.

Many Social Networks have hopped on board, including Myspace. Just when Facebook started gaining some ground they have to pull this stubborn attitude. What advantages Facebook in staying out of the Open Social game? Nothing. They would have a lot to gain and almost nothing to lose. Heck, even Myspace understands what kind of community development and involvement this is going to mean.

And with the announcement of Google’s Andriord OS today (which is an open source development of mobile phones), Facebook will be left out of all that fun… And I bet when its released (‘08) it will be a big hit.

For open social APIs:
http://code.google.com/apis/opensocial/

I like Facebook, but seriously this may be the end of their high road.