Facebook is in the news regarding their infrastructure being solely dependent on the web and open source technology. Facebook is, in essence, relying on the web and open technology for its continual success. Unlike other large technology companies that have product offerings of software and/or hardware as their main interest, Facebook appears to be betting on their future success exclusively utilizing user-generated content and various types of open source technology. This open environment is development in a public, collaborative manner with user interaction, and can be a huge savings for consumers. This information is summarized in an article – Facebook’s 11 Biggest Technology Bets – InformationWeek.com/News/Development/Open-Source/
The article states:
“Facebook has the opportunity to succeed. The question is whether the company has the technology and talent to turn user attention into ad revenue.”
Carlos Icaza, an adviser to several startups and Fortune 500 companies offered this from the article:
“Facebook, as big as it is, is also nimble and can move quickly and adapt quickly. The one thing that Facebook has is that it is not platform-specific. That is, after all, what gives it its edge.”
And, Google’s Vic Gundotra states this from the article:
“The Web has become the dominant software platform.”
Facebook apps also play a major role in future business growth for Facebook. In addition, they are betting on their many users to prefer their UI, apps, and platform over other online services. Also, Facebook plans to introduce file storage and file sharing services comparable to the main players in that industry, to keep those millions of users happy.
According to eMarketer, Facebook made almost $500 million from its virtual currency in 2010. This virtual currency promises to not only pay for itself, but also help to bring Facebook to the forefront in terms of revenue. Facebook plans to catch up to Google, Apple and Microsoft and with the help of their millions of users every month, investors are betting on them to do just that.
Sandy McIntosh, May 22, 2012
