Google OpenSocial

OpenSocial is Google's collection of Application Programming Interfaces, or APIs, that enable developers to design so-called "social media" applications that will work across a variety of platforms. A "widget" designed for a Ning using OpenSocial, then, could also access information in LinkedIn, Orkut or MySpace. Developers employing OpenSocial will be able to transmit the following types of data between social networks, or "hosts": profile information, "friends" information and records of online "activities."

OpenSocial has been seen by some analysts as an attempt, by Google, to compete with Facebook. Facebook allows some limited access to their API from programs operating outside Facebook.com, but it is not open about all user information saved within the network. According to The New York Times, "the strategy is aimed at one-upping Facebook, which last spring opened its service to outside developers."