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February 8, 2008 ( PowerHomeBiz ) -
Chantilly, VA ---
Web 2.0 – what the heck is it? No, it's not the latest brainchild 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 Tim O'Reilly,
founder of O'Reilly Media. Though Web 2.0 has been cited millions of times
in Google, the buzzword has been defined in many different ways. "Simply
put, Web 2.0 is really about using the Web as a platform for interaction
between user and provider," said Scott C. Margenau, president of ImageWorks
Studio, a B2B and B2C Branding Firm.
(news continued below)
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 with the Web that are relatively new. Running
software applications on the Web versus on the desktop is also a big part of
what defines Web 2.0, which is considered by some to be the second phase of
the World Wide Web.
"Businesses can use a variety of Web. 2.0 technologies in inventive and
interactive ways 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,
Business Networking such as Linked In, Ryze or even Facebook, AJAX, RSS,
Adobe Flash, CMS (Content Management Systems), Podcasting, Wikis, XHTML
markup and other user-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
Simple Syndication (RSS). Give customers a voice – via social networking
tools such as blogs and forums – when it comes to the creation of new
products. Once customers become invested in the product development process,
they may be more likely to remain loyal to the company. Easily provide
customers with information about the company and its products through
podcasts and interactive download libraries.
These tools represent more
robust and interactive 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 through
static ones. Instantly manage and update their Web site's content and
structure to align with a customer's expectations. Instantly respond to
customers using Live Chat and other interactive options that can 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 budgets as Web-based applications can be updated easily, potentially
eliminating the need for costly technical support.
"Though there is still no consensus on the precise definition of Web 2.0,
the use of Web 2.0 capabilities offers businesses of all sizes the ability
to reach and influence their customers in greater ways than ever before,"
said Margenau.
For more information, call 800-308-8573 or visit
http://www.imageworksstudio.com
Scott C. Margenau is president of ImageWorks Studio, an
award-winning web design agency, marketing and branding firm specializing in
online and off-line media in advertising, web development, brand development
and promotion.
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