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.
“Since we know that widget companies and developers want an equal opportunity and a level playing field on which to compete for the attention of Friendster’s 50 million users, Friendster is announcing and publishing our plans, APIs and information on our Developer Program in advance of the date on which these capabilities will be activated,” said Friendster VP of marketing David Jones. “The developer community will start the race for Friendster user adoption on the same date: November 30.”
According to Friendster, developers will have access to service APIs compatible with others in the social networking industry, so that widgets and other applications can easily be deployed on Friendster, while existing widgets built using Flash and HTML will continue to function. Friendster also plans to roll out a widget directory to promote add-ons and offer “viral support” for popular widgets via a custom event visible to friends when a users installs a widget. Friendster is also offering an open revenue model: developers don’t have to pay Friendster a cut of any money they earn from their applications.
