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CHANTILLY, Va., Dec. XX Web 2.0 what the heck is it? No, it s not the latestbrainchild of Bill Gates or Steve Jobs that we waited breathlessly for. The term,Web 2.0, a clever reference to software versions, was coined in 2004 by TimO Reilly, founder of O Reilly Media. Though Web 2.0 has been cited millions of timesin Google, the buzzword has been defined in many different ways. Simply put, Web2.0 is really about using the Web as a platform for interaction between user andprovider, said Scott C. Margenau, president of ImageWorks Studio, a B2B and B2CBranding Firm.
So what does this mean to businesses and consumers?
Many of the technologies that undergird Web 2.0 have been around since the mid 90s.It s the innovative ways users such as consumers and businesses are interacting withthe Web that are relatively new. Running software applications on the Web versus onthe desktop is also a big part of what defines Web 2.0, which is considered by someto be the second phase of the World Wide Web.
Businesses can use a variety of Web. 2.0 technologies in inventive and interactiveways to convey information to a large audience particularly potential customers, said Margenau.
Companies of all sizes are using Web 2.0 technologies such as Blogs, BusinessNetworking such as Linked In, Ryze or even Facebook, AJAX, RSS, Adobe Flash, CMS(Content Management Systems), Podcasting, Wikis, XHTML markup and otheruser-oriented architecture that helps forge a synergy between company and customer.Companies can use Web 2.0 capabilities to:
Boost customer relations through a variety of communication tools.Disseminate a business s Web content through technologies such as Really SimpleSyndication (RSS).Give customers a voice via social networking tools such as blogs and forums whenit comes to the creation of new products. Once customers become invested in theproduct development process, they may be more likely to remain loyal to the company.Easily provide customers with information about the company and its products throughpodcasts and interactive download libraries. These tools represent more robust andinteractive venues than white papers of the past.Deliver a suite of technical services using a Web-based platform.Reach their customers through dynamic, changing Web site pages rather than throughstatic ones.Instantly manage and update their Web site s content and structure to align with acustomer s expectations.Instantly respond to customers using Live Chat and other interactive options thatcan reduce phone calls and long wait times, which often result in unhappy
Businesses using Web 2.0 technologies can also realize savings in their IT budgetsas Web-based applications can be updated easily, potentially eliminating the needfor costly technical support.
Though there is still no consensus on the precise definition of Web 2.0, the use ofWeb 2.0 capabilities offers businesses of all sizes the ability to reach andinfluence their customers in greater ways than ever before, said Margenau.
For more information, call 800-308-8573 or visit http://www.imageworksstudio.co m
Scott C. Margenau is president of ImageWorks Studio, an award-winning web designagency, marketing and branding firm specializing in online and off-line media inadvertising, web development, brand development and promotion.
