What is OpenSocial?

OpenSocial is a programming model that empowers developers to build universally accepted applications to launch on Social Networks such as MySpace, imeem, Ning, orkut, and many others. Spearheaded by Google, OpenSocial allows for an application or app widget to be built once and launched across all OpenSocial supporting websites. For a list of supporting OpenSocial sites click here.

MeDeploy's API allows e-commerce and distribution to be added to all your locations around the web and is also fully compatible with OpenSocial allowing Digital Store apps to be built with MeDeploy in the same manner you would for a website, and then launched on various Social Networks. Because Social Network apps can also be added by others to their own profile pages, this opens up new possibilities in mass film distribution- Viral Distribution! Besides your own Social Network profile page, you have your army of evangelists and "Social Network Friends" adding your digital store app to their own profiles, increasing sale dramatically.

One of the most compelling parts of the OpenSocial platform is the ability to tie apps into user data from the social network. An example of this might be a store front app that allowed users to leave reviews and ratings for each film making it more interactive for the community.

How do I build a MeDeploy powered OpenSocial app?

The same easy way you add store functions anywhere else using MeDeploy. OpenSocial is based on standard web development. For information on developing apps for OpenSocial view Google's documentation here.

Can I use MeDeploy with OpenSocial now?

MeDeploy's API is fully compatible with OpenSocial. The only thing to keep in mind is that OpenSocial is a very new development and implementation on the various Social Networks is in its early stages. Some are just now rolling out support for it and some are available for use now. For an up-to-date list of available Social Networks supporting OpenSocial, click here. Each Social Network has its own rules and regulations about the apps that can be added to their community. Depending on the type of content you will be distributing, you will want to check the Social Network's Application Terms to make sure there are no conflicts (such as distributing content not appropriate for all ages). Many of the Social Networks allow age restrictions to be set on apps but some don't. E-commerce and digital distribution are an acceptable use for apps on all the Social Networks currently supporting OpenSocial.

What about Social Networks that are not part of OpenSocial such as Facebook and Bebo?

Facebook and Bebo use their own proprietary development platform for building apps. We have not completed testing MeDeploy's API on these Social Networks yet, but hope to have verified compatibility soon. If you develop an app for Facebook or Bebo with MeDeploy's API, shoot us an email at info@medeploy.com. We might just include it in an upcoming tutorial along with some mad-props thrown your way!