Jun 06 2008
Will Web 2.0 Die This 2008?
Even though a few years have already passed since its conception, the term ‘Web 2.0’ is still being considered a buzzword probably because people still aren’t able to pin an exact definition for it. Most, if not all, agree however that Web 2.0 is not a completely different ballgame from Web 2.0. What it is, instead, is an evolution of Web 1.0. Whether Web 2.0 will continue to evolve or die a long and painful death this 2008 remains to be seen.
UK Research Predicts 2008 as Year of Death of Web 2.0
If the UK-based research firm SciVisum is to be believed, then Web 2.0 is set to die this 2008 when “cautious
companies pull their advertising from user-generated content web sites, worried about the effect on their brand of appearing alongside questionable content.”
Before discussing that provocative statement, let’s take a look first on the background of the company behind the prediction. SciVisum was established in 2003 and has a considerable role in the UK Web and Application and Testing market. Various blue chip companies make up its client roster.
The company suggested as well that a nomadic attitude will be continuously displayed by companies and consumers towards Web 2.0 websites. This will continue until the market reaches saturation level and consequently turn off consumers. It describes 2008, in fact, as a “watershed year for e-commerce”.
Moreover, it predicts 2008 to be the year when high street revenues begin to decline. The only way out is for retailers to eliminate background problems.
SciViscum has identified four critical areas that would revolutionize e-commerce operations this year.
HIGH STREET DEATH – Online spending shows a remarkable increase every year and is predicted to show even greater increases in the coming years. The UK research firm believes that high street retailers with good existing eCommerce platforms are in the favorable position to take advantage of the cultural shift predicted for online shopping preferences. Those who don’t have such platforms must find a way to rectify the matter this year or risk total failure for their businesses.
IMPROVING USER EXPERIENCE – Another prediction detailed the increase of online competitive pressure for all companies in all industries. This is where eliminating background problems play a role. Anything that makes the user experience in your website should be eliminated immediately or your company will be eliminated in the survival stakes.
BUSINESSES GAIN BACK CONTROL – SciVisum predicts this 2008 as business and marketing personnel taking control when they have to. These people and not the IT personnel tend to be most aware of problems existing on the website. These people had unfortunately been turned off by the latter’s use, however,
of “irrelevant data and metrics”. This year, business and marketing personnel finally assert their authority and let the IT personnel know that their data only makes the website successful in terms of metrics but not in sales.
DECLINE IN NET NEUTRALITY – Increasing fears over global bandwidth shortages will force ISPs to make a definite move to address the situation. Possibly, users might find out that downloading services which used to be free aren’t free anymore and this could eventually lead to net neutrality.
WHAT EXPERTS HAVE TO SAY
A number of web experts disagree with the predictions. They do acknowledge that the predictions have valid points but all in all, they do not believe that Web 2.0 will meet its demise this 2008. If anything, it will only continue to evolve. As long as Web 2.0 websites continue to be popular then advertisers will continue to display their ads on it.
Here is where this lesson ends for today. We really hope you enjoyed this lesson too.
You will receive the next lesson in 7 days.
Next week’s lesson will have the following title: “Why is Web 2.0 Overrated?”
Copyright(C) 2008 by John Delavera & Reimund Lube
