Social Web: Web 2.0 Technologies to Enhance Knowledge Communities - Community-Built Databases: Research and Development - page 4

1.1 Introduction

Web 2.0 is generally described as a cost-effective collection of technologies, based
largely upon user-generated content that can become a richer pool of knowledge as
more people exchange their information and expertise [ 1 ]. These technologies have
redefined the web as a platform and contributed unique features and design char-
acteristics that focus on collaborations [ 1 , 2 ]. Web 2.0 also represents “social
computing” as it shifts computing to the edges of the network and empowers
individual users with lightweight computing tools to manifest their creativity,
engage in social interaction, and share knowledge [ 3 , 4 ]. Recent technologies
have also emerged that allow real-time information sharing and thus further facili-
tate the users' sense of community. Common characteristics of these online com-
munities include empowering users (e.g., as codevelopers of software) and trusting
and encouraging them to share information with members of other social networks,
both online and offline, which can help expand the knowledge base, as well as
disseminate the information.

1.1.1 Web 2.0 Technologies in Social Web

Barnatt [ 5 ] identified three key reasons why Web 2.0 sites have evolved into a
network of interconnections between people, services, and information. These
include interpersonal computing, web services, and software as a service (SaaS).
Interpersonal computing involves person-to-person interactions facilitated by the
tools and features provided on websites that enable collaborative content creation,
sharing, and manipulation. In particular, interpersonal computing in the current social
media environment is most commonly associated with the development of Wikis,
blogs, social networking, and viral video sites. Web services involve application-to-
application data and service exchanges between organizations automated by web
servers and other related Internet technologies. These service-oriented architec-
tures (SOAs) and protocols such as XML and API allow computer applications
to automatically execute online transactions with minimal human involvement.
Hence, Web 2.0 technologies such as these offer tremendous opportunities and
potential benefits to a wide range of business organizations. SaaS, sometimes
considered as a type of web service, are online applications delivered over the
Internet. This means that the applications can be accessed from any electronic
device with an Internet connection, which frees the user from the need for locally
installed software.
Regardless of the specific type of technology, application, or connection, Web 2.0
tools present both individuals and organizations with several new value propositions.
Organizations are increasingly using Web 2.0 tools both internally and externally
to identify experts, facilitate collaboration, and promote organizational learning.