As a seasoned expert in the Internet, I have watched the Internet arrive, evolve and revolutionize modern day living in every facet. I wrote this particular blog and market prediction back in 2005. In retrospect, I can say that my predictions have come true thus far. Follow my blog to find out more about my accurate market and Internet strategic predictions with respects to usage trends, competitive landscape and market intelligence!
What’s all the fuss about Web 2.0 anyway? For those of you that work in web development, web design, interaction design, information architecture, usability, e-commerce architecture and web-based applications – the term is all too familiar right?
I remember back in 1998 when the word “e-commerce” was the latest buzzword when industry specialists would put on their prophecy hats and predict the future of the e-commerce industry. I did my thesis / final dissertertion on e-commerce strategies.
When asked why I wanted to get into computers and specifically Internet business as part of my entry application to university back in 1994 – I said “computers and the Internet will be part of our life. Everything around us requires information technology in some form or another, and the Internet and doing business on the Internet will explode within the next 5 years.” For 15+ years I have been working in the industry of computer information systems, Internet technologies, eCommerce, Web Design, Online Marketing and much more! I can say with conviction that I am a seasoned industry specialist – New Media expert even!
I have made observations and predictions throughout my time in working with Internet / Web technologies for over a decade.
Web 1.0 for 1997 – 2002:
Static web pages, read-only, use of frame sets, basic HTML, GIF images, minimal user interaction and no user generated content, namely for information purposes only, businesses indexed online but not conducting ebusiness. Internet users were forced to be “readers” of the Internet, searching and accessing arrays of shared information and knowledge using the likes of altavista, lycos, excite, yahoo, etc. The power of the Internet, its reach and its potential for conducting global business was about to be realized. Remember the first wave of the dot.com companies, companies either made it through the big bang of 1999/2000 where IT boomed and the hype of 2000 pretty much exploded into oblivion. After this first wave of the Internet – it was the survival of the fittest but for most it was belly up.
Web 2.0 2002 – 2007:
Dynamic web pages, interactive user controls, use of large graphics, visually-rich designs, e-commerce/e-business revolution, user-generated content unleashed and on steroids, wikipedia/user blogs/community forums, users become consumers and producers as they consume products and services online and also produce content, publish and share their intellectual property and personal media online. The power of the Internet was realized, more than just a library of information, but actual storage in the cloud, web-based applications residing on powerful underlying platform technologies. Imagine these global web application servers being accessed by users regardless of location – it has arrived. The power of localization to cater to regional and global audiences is a critical success factor for any e-commerce site conducting B2C and direct to consumer business online.
Web 3.0 2008 and beyond:
My thoughts on Web 3.0, Web 4.0 is that the Internet will house and become the golden master version of any user generated content that requires an audience to validate it – sharing, publishing, hosting, storing, backing up and more. It will all be about web-based applications that are seamless and transparent – have no physical borders but just make globalization a way of life. Google Earth is where the physical world that we live in and the power of a virtual online world are truly realized. Aerial view mapping combined with the power of 3D interactive visual maps will enables people to travel without even leaving the comfort of their home. Google Earth yourself to Rome, Italy today, Beijing, China tomorrow and then check out the Grand Canyon on the way to seeing the white beaches of Mauritius! Web 3.0 is the blending of physical world with virtual reality…the start of holograms, touch display interfaces allow one to be vertically standing and to touch their way through the Internet. It’s started on all dimensions of consuming devices: iPod Touch, HP’s new Touch computer, MS Surface and more. iPhone, iPad and Location-Based Services will be the future!
The future is bright…let’s watch this movement!