Web 2.0 - A Standard for Web Design & Development

Web 2.0 by its nomenclature appears to be a new version of the World Wide Web. Some users perceive it as another version of the web with added technical features. In reality, Web 2.0 actually refers to the paradigm shift in the way end users and software developers use web. Web 2.0 reflects the changing face of the web; from its earlier read only version it is slowly and steadily becoming more participatory in nature.

Earlier versions of popular websites on the net were read-only with users having only a limited choice in terms of customization. Only the owners of the websites could modify/change the content of the websites. Users had to put up with the default color, design and look of a website everytime they logged in. These days’ they have the power to change the look and feel of the websites they frequent and modify their features according to their convenience. One can say that web 2.0 has ushered in a revolution by enabling collaboration amongst users through information sharing capabilities. The emergence of wikis, blogs where users can not only read what others have written but also post their comments have led to the development of theme-based communities.

Web 2.0 provides much more functionalities to users as compared to Web 1.0. Presently users can host web casts, podcasts, blogs and access RSS feeds something which was unthinkable in the days of web 1.0.Community based social networking sites built on the Ajax, Flex framework offer interactivity through a rich user-friendly interface. These portals contain applications created by users, developers that are free to use and help in visitor retention and brand loyalty.