Data is the next Intel Inside | Daniel's Web 2.0 related Blog

Full Article: http://dan12123.wordpress.com/2010/03/11/data-is-the-next-intel-inside/

Data is the next Intel Inside | 11/Mar/2010

This blog entry is about the future of data and its effect on Web 2.0 applications.  In the lecture, we learned that Web 2.0 as we know it relies (in part) on open-source software and code.  Many elements of web access are already provided by open-source software – from Apache servers (that host the web content) to database management tools, like MySQL.

There can be little doubt that open-source development is on the rise.  In fact, according to Deshpande & Riehle (http://dirkriehle.com/publications/2008/the-total-growth-of-open-source/), it accounts for a large portion of the web server market.  To add to this, they describe the growth of open-source development tools as “exponential.”  The question is, are open-source applications providing the platform for a more “open”, free Internet?

Unfortunately, the answer is most likely no.  The reason is because open-source technologies are being absorbed by new IT giants, who have formed as a result of Web 2.0.  Like Intel in processor development, Google has a significant proportion of market share, as shown through by various measures (such as Nielsen polls).  But it could be argued that Google will only support the idea of open internet while it serves the interest of the business.  In fact, in an article about the strength of Google, Messina argues that “Google decides which ports it wants to open and for whom.” (http://factoryjoe.com/blog/2006/08/20/building-a-better-mouse-trap/).

All of the above relates to the concept of “Data as the next Intel Inside” because, as O’Reilly argues, “…data as the Intel inside is the one that will ………….

Full Article: http://dan12123.wordpress.com/2010/03/11/data-is-the-next-intel-inside/