What is Web 2.0

"Web 2.0" is a web platform, developed to facilitate communication, data sharing and connection on the internet. The main concept behind its development was the evolution and expansion of social networks, web communities and all possible applications or hosted services that enable easier and fast communication among users. Most of the social networks we use daily, as well as blogs and wiki pages are based on this model.

Web 2.0 is a term that was used for the first time in 2003 from Eric Knor, the executive manager of Info World. He referred to a great revolution in the Internet and general IT technology that would allow World Wide Web to become a universal platform. This was the main idea behind the development and indeed since then everything changed in the Online World, as new terms such as wikis, blogs and social networks entered our lives in force.

Main Characteristics of Web 2.0

The main characteristic of Web 2.0 is that it is not a new development; it is actually the evolution of accumulated elements and features that already existed. Internet is a huge platform; therefore an effort to understand and use it to its full potentials was needed in order to make a step further.

Its initiatives are used and incorporated within the social online sector, the public sector and every aspect of the economy and business. Some of the most important and popular applications based on Web 2.0 are Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Wordpress, FlickR, MySpace and much more. These are simple ways and methods to connect with other people, or even officials and CEOs in every part of the world. Internet was supposed to bring us closer to each other; Web 2.0 made it possible, allowing interaction and direct communication of users in a more sophisticated and comprehensive way. The old fashioned and single sided ways of communication belong to the past. The future is actually here and is based on interaction.

Except for social networks, this platform is used by companies that use services and applications that can be integrated in their own system and internal network, allowing easier communication between employees and clients. The great potential of this platform lies on the ability to bring together not only people, but also knowledge, tools and information. Although some people are afraid of this revolution in online communication, fearing abuse, for now the results are quite promising, thrilling and impressive to say the least.