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The Facebook App Development Landscape: A Shift Beyond the Platform

This article discusses the changing landscape of app development, particularly in the context of Facebook and the emergence of OpenSocial as a new standard. It highlights the challenges faced by app developers in a market dominated by established giants like RockYou and Slide, and explores alternative platforms for reaching a wider audience.

The Rise of RockYou and Slide on Facebook

The author argues that Facebook has become a less attractive platform for new app developers due to the dominance of RockYou and Slide. These companies have established a strong foothold by leveraging their existing user base to cross-promote new apps, effectively creating a barrier to entry for newcomers.

The Impact of Viral Growth on Facebook App Success

The article emphasizes the importance of viral growth in achieving success on Facebook. It uses the formula "new installs = existing installs * viral coefficient" to illustrate how existing user bases can significantly contribute to acquiring new users.

OpenSocial: A New Standard for Social App Development

The author discusses OpenSocial as a potential game-changer for app developers. This standard aims to provide a common set of APIs for building apps that can run on various social networking platforms. This would eliminate the need for developers to create platform-specific versions of their apps, potentially saving time and resources.

Exploring Alternative Platforms for App Development

The author emphasizes the importance of diversifying app development strategies beyond Facebook. The article lists several alternative platforms included in the OpenSocial initiative, such as Orkut, Salesforce, LinkedIn, Ning, Hi5, Plaxo, Friendster, Viadeo, and Oracle.

Understanding the Userbase: A Key to Successful App Development

The article highlights the importance of understanding the specific user base of each platform. The author notes that different platforms attract different demographics, have varying goals, and exhibit diverse usage patterns. For instance, platforms like LinkedIn, Oracle, Plaxo, and SalesForce cater to business audiences, while platforms like Orkut, Ning, Hi5, and Friendster target a more consumer-oriented and international audience.

The Importance of Localization and Understanding Cultural Nuances

The author stresses the need for app developers to consider cultural and regional differences when developing apps for various platforms. He argues that while OpenSocial provides a platform for "write-once-run-anywhere" apps, it doesn't guarantee "write-once-succeed-anywhere." The author suggests that developers may need to "localize" their apps to appeal to specific user bases, taking into account cultural nuances and preferred internet paradigms.

Viral Marketing: Exploiting Consumer Psychology for App Growth

The article dives into the principles of viral marketing and emphasizes its importance in driving app growth. The author uses the example of Boozemail, an app that leverages the emotion of "reciprocity" to encourage users to invite friends, illustrating how understanding consumer psychology can play a critical role in app design.

A New Era of Social App Development: Understanding the Opportunities

The author concludes by stating that OpenSocial represents a significant step forward in social app development. He encourages developers to carefully consider the user bases of different platforms and potentially focus on specific platforms to achieve success.