Google’s Friend Connect

It looks like Google is getting ready to deploy a framework that will allow website owners to capitalize on the social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace.  I kind of figured that such a framework was in the making but was a little surprised that Google was the one that would bring it to fruition the most, I guess this friend connect framework they are releasing in a limited market this week is going to increase their visibility and allow them the opportunity to get more ad impressions somehow, it’s a great idea if you just think about it.  Here’s a snippet from the story that broke earlier this month:

The effort to make it easier for Web surfers to connect with their friends is attracting a crowd. Following similar moves by the two biggest online hangouts, Internet search leader Google Inc. is introducing tools that are supposed to make any Web site more sociable. The service, expected to be available on a limited basis Monday evening, provides a framework that will enable people to interact with their friends and use favorite applications they have accumulated on social networks like Facebook and Plaxo even when they aren’t visiting those sites.

Google’s initiative, called “Friend Connect,” follows pledges by MySpace and Facebook last week to allow their users to transport their personal profiles and applications to other Web sites.
News Corp. s MySpace and privately held Facebook – the Internet’s two largest social hubs – announced their plans for wider accessibility late last week.

“Social is in the air,” said David Glazer, a director of engineering for Google.
Only about two dozen Web sites initially will have access to Google’s Friend Connect code to start. The trial run includes a site devoted to musician Ingrid Michaelson and another site providing recipes for guacamole. The coding is expected to become widely available during the next few months.

Without providing specifics, MySpace and Facebook have said it will be several more weeks before their users can transplant their personal information to other Web sites.

Google hopes its latest social tools will encourage people to spend even more time online, giving the company more opportunities to show the advertising that generates most of its profits.

Source: On Your Side | ABC 7 News