Google’s “OpenSocial” goes live

Google’s latest attempt at global internet domination has been launched. They have code named it OpenSocial for friendly public consumption, but we all know it’s true nature is anything but friendly.

What is OpenSocial?

Per the FAQs: OpenSocial is a set of common APIs for building social applications across many websites. OpenSocial consists of both JavaScript APIs and Google Data APIs.

Translated into plain english that simply says OpenSocial is another way for Google to monopolize on your websites and surfing habits.

Is OpenSocial open source?

Per the FAQs (again): Currently, the sample code is released under the Apache 2.0 license. Additionally, we have Creative Commons licensed all of the OpenSocial documentation, so you are welcome to reuse and remix as appropriate. In the future, we are planning to open-source the components that are required to run OpenSocial on your own website.

Translation: We’ll release just as much as is needed to get you to use it under open source licensing and nothing more.

How do I get started?

Go to the OpenSocial home page and start reading. Be sure to check out the documentation full listing of FAQs, the OpenSocial Blog, and as always make sure you read the terms of service before getting too wild with it.

Are you recommending it or not?

It looks to be a potentially very powerful asset for bloggers if used properly so in a word, yes. I might not be a big fan of Google’s strong arm tactics, but that certainly doesn’t preclude them from releasing some really good software.

Are you going to try out OpenSocial?