A big part of the news this morning is about Microsoft buying a stake in social networking service Facebook. Part of what makes Microsoft value the social networking outfit at something approaching $15 billion dollars is that Facebook was the first social networking service to offer developers an API which enables them to create custom applications and services on top of Facebook—with results ranging from garage sales to…well, a MMORPG.
Other social networking services are also getting on the API bandwagon: MySpace plans to open its platform to developers, and now one of the longest-standing social networking sites, Friendster announced today that it will be commencing the third stage of opening its platform by launching the Friendster Developer Program November 30.