The Different Types of Web 2.0
The definition and coverage of Web 2.0 has been rather broad and loosely used by many. Sometimes, I get confused with my thoughts on Web 2.0. The amount of terms that are being used is plentiful and sometimes these terms do not have a clear definition. The basic idea of web 2.0 is about social network and collaboration. However, in different settings, different approaches are taken thus different outcomes are achieved. I hope to define some of these terms in a clearer way.
1) Consumer to Consumer (C2) Web 2.0
In C2C Web 2.0, there are a few key applications and tools out there like FaceBook, YouTube, SlideShare, GoogleDocs, Twitter, DIGG , Delicious, Wikipedia and Linux.
The key ideas behind C2C web 2.0 is all about social networking, for example in the case of facebook. To a large degree there are direct user contribution to Wikipedia and Linux where people consciously contribute and add to the body of knowledge within these networks. There are also alot of sharing of information through tools like Slideshare, YouTube and GoogleDocs. These tools allow people to collaborate and/or contribute for their individual purposes.
In general, consumer to consumer is aimed at connecting people with the same friends, same cause or same interest. Collective intelligence is a very strong outcome of such forms of social networking. In many cases, C2C Web 2.0 could be just for leisure purposes.
2) Business to Consumer (B2C) Web 2.0
In B2C Web 2.0, there are some really famous case studies like Lego, Procter and Gamble’s Connect and Develop and GoldCorp. Read these case studies for a better understanding of B2C Web 2.0.
These kinds of Web 2.0 is really getting consumers to contribute and share their knowledge, expertise and/or feelings towards their products or services for the organisation. The organisation can choose to compensate their contributors with a cash reward or not.
3) Consumer to Business (C2B) Web 2.0
There are also many forums out there that helps people solve their issues for any organisation. For example, Whirlpool is a telecommunication forum for Australians where consumers help consumers solve problems that they have with Telco companies. This is a tricky situation as in some instances, problems can be solved using free contribution from users however, it might go the other way where people start ranting and saying bad stuff about the organisation.
4) Business to Business (B2B) Web 2.0
B2B web 2.0 is about how two different and separate organisations can collaborate and share sensitive information about each other for their own specific benefits. For example, in a supply chain, organisations can tightly integrate any two or more organisations together through an online platform and share information not only about their inventory status or production output but also information about key staff, communicate via a communal platform on issues, progress, updates and anything in between.
5) Enterprise 2.0 (Internal Business Web 2.0)
This is all about the internal social networking and collaboration within the organisation. Tools like Jive’s Clearspace, SocialText and Telligent have generally focused on this requirement from organisations.
Web 2.0 within organisations require more governance and control as compared to consumer Web 2.0. The data that is being exchange could also be generally more sensitive and holds some commercial value. Many of such implementations are also done at a global level where there are different teams working on different things and they require some kind of workspace for them to operate in (think of a virtual team). These are just some of the functionality that is not available in consumer Web 2.0.
Consumer web 2.0 is purely voluntary. Users choose to put up what they want and choose what they want to do. Due to the sheer amount of people on the net contributing, sharing and collaborating, one or two less people who are not willing to join the community does not really hurt the community. However, in an Enterprise 2.0 environment, there is generally a limited amount of resources available and organisations need to leverage these resources as much as possible and the more people contribute and share information, the more successful the platform is. Change management is key to the success.
Book Review: Groundswell said,
[...] book was focused mainly on Business to Consumer type web 2.0 relationship but it also briefly touched on groundswell within the organisation (internal [...]
sid said,
Nice post!
To my understanding Intranet 2.0 is more appropriate term for what you have defined as enterprise 2.0, for enterprise 2.0 should be a broader term inclusive of intranet2.0 and B2C 2.0.
Its about conversations so we should not actually differentiate between B2C and C2B. B and C are conversing that is it. Whirlpool example is more of a C2C to me than C2B. Its forum of people helping people they are not doing it on behalf of telcos.
What are your thoughts?
yes Enterprise 2.0 is very tricky business, I understand it also is a function of industry vertical. Some industries like FMCG, Media etc find easy to embrace it. While others like Government, Banks, Insurance etc its really difficult affair. Will be good if your research shows some trends on those lines.
Sean Lew said,
Actually you are right. Intranet 2.0 is a more appropriate term for internal web 2.0 application. These terms are pretty confusing to start with. =) Enterprise 2.0 would then be for anything Web 2.0 that is implemented by an organisation.
Whirlpool is an interesting case. Even though there is alot of C2C communication that goes on. I am sure that most (if not all) telecommunication companies are spending time and effort to monitor what is going on in these forums. After all, the words that is written on these forums will directly impact the possibility of getting new customers in future. You can argue both ways, C2C or C2B, really depends on which angle you are looking at it from.
Ermm.. I used to think in a similar fashion as you on E2 implementation. I think as the job function of knowledge workers becomes intertwined with many other functions, sectors and markets, E2 becomes a more viable business. One example is, as a consultant, I prepare proposals and it requires input from different technology solution groups, business consulting team, strategy team, the finance team, HR team, senior management, legal teams and many others. I can clearly see that, at least in a consulting business, E2 is very applicable. (I hope I have interpreted your statement correctly)
sid said,
Whirlpool is an interesting case … and if telcos are not there at this forum they might be missing something … they might enhance this community by appointing their people (if they havnt yet) … it will then be like getsatisfaction.com ( I really like this one)
yes you are right in the scope of knowledge worker and his need for collaboration within organization and importance of E2 is very much evident. However what i meant was B2C part of E2 … B2C communication is to some extent function of vertical … Meida / PR / advertising embrace it more easily than Banks / Insurance / Gov etc … Thoughts?
Confused Web 2.0 User! said,
Hi all, I don’t know if ye can help me but what would you suggest to be the best web 2.0 programme to help businesses? Say for example somebody in England is trying to contact somebody who is in a taxi in China using his or her Blackberry?? How would ye go about this type of problem of people trying to contact each other over email? Can ye suggest a better alternative using Web 2.0? I know this sounds pretty vague but any help would be really appreciated!
Confused Web 2.0 User! said,
On a different note, there has been increasing interest in http://a.nnotate.com/, could you recommend a similar, more ‘classier’ version of this programme?I feel it looks rather childish etc.
Sean Lew said,
Try Twitter or instant messaging. It works pretty well with people on the go.
As for document sharing, you could try google docs (personal or enterprise version), Zoho or slideshare are all pretty good too. It really depends on your detailed requirements too.
Dellemente Net-Magazine - Where Web Technology Means Business. said,
[...] http://www.bluethots.com/2009/02/03/the-different-meanings-of-web-20/ Related [...]
Add A Comment