November 2, 2007

Google announces OpenSocial APIs

Written by Jan Harris

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Google announces OpenSocial APIs
Google is announcing a Web standard called OpenSocial which will enable programmers to build social applications for multiple Web sites at once.

OpenSocial is a set of common APIs (application programming interfaces), with which Web developers will be able to create applications for any sites that accept the OpenSocial code, including social networking sites and blogs.

Sites that have already committed to supporting OpenSocial include Bebo, Engage.com, Friendster, hi5, Hyves, imeem, LinkedIn, mixi, MySpace, Ning, Oracle, Plaxo, Salesforce.com, Six Apart, Tianji, Viadeo, and XING.

Google’s social network, Orkut, will also accept apps written using OpenSocial APIs.

The OpenSocial APIs give developers access to the data needed to build social applications. Subject to the users’ permission, the APIs provide access to an application user’s profile information, contact list, and the ability to share their activities with friends.

Developers will have access to: JavaScript and Gdata APIs to access social functions, a live developer sandbox, sample code and documentation. A support group is available at code.google.com.

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