Next Generation Wireless Applications: Creating Mobile Applications in a Web 2.0 and Mobile 2.0 World, 2nd Edition

4.7 THE WEB 2.0 CHALLENGE

As we are examining operator challenges, this is a good place to discuss Web 2.0. We discussed the wider significance of Web 2.0 in Chapter 3, so here we shall look at where the Web 2.0 paradigms fit in our current exploration of architectural concepts. Thus far we have looked at different service concepts based on modes of interaction (i.e., H2H, H2C, H2M and M2M) and we have mapped these to the different networks in the mobile ecosystem. In the previous discussion, we have taken a more commercial view of the operator network in terms of the actors likely to be interacting with the operator's piece of the ecosystem, such as users, developers, partners and so on.

Within the current context of exploring operator challenges, there are two questions that arise from considering the impact or relevance of Web 2.0. Firstly, does Web 2.0 have an impact on the modes of interaction? Secondly, where does Web 2.0 fit in relation to the operator challenges that we have just been discussing? It probably isn't that helpful to start discussing what Web 2.0 is. As I mentioned in Chapter 3, finding a precise definition is problematic. The following excerpt from Wikipedia's entry on Web 2.0 seems pertinent:

O'Reilly regards Web 2.0 as business embracing the web as a platform and utilising its strengths (global audiences, for example). O'Reilly considers that Eric Schmidt's abridged slogan - don't fight the Internet - encompasses the essence of Web 2.0—building applications ...