The Google OpenSocial API sounds really cool and brings together the ability to ability to write web applications and widgets for multiple platforms. Launch partners include :
At first glance it would seem Google has collected all the losers in the social media space and got them to work together. Only Friendster and Classmates are missing from the ‘missed a great opportunity’ list.
When you consider that application’s written for the OpenSocial API can work with all of them, things get pretty interesting. I think it will be difficult for all these platforms to agree on functionality. For example Linkedin and Plaxo don’t have any where near the social components that Ning and Hi5 have. Will an application really run the same between them? I doubt it…
I think the other thing that is kind of concerning with the OpenSocial platform is the developer distribution system. Google is holding CampFires to introduce the platform on an invite only basis. As someone who has help organize FacebookCamp in Toronto and seen the impact of a more open communication strategy, I think this invite only approach is limited.