Wow, another year has flown by, I can’t believe it has been over 10 years since I’ve been on the Internet. And I must say I’ve seen it grow from a novelty to something most of us can’t live without. I know the first time I started using the web and BBSs I saw the tremendous potential. The amazing thing is innovation has never stopped so there is still tremendous potential/power in the Internet.

One of the most amazing things for me and something that hasn’t changed is the ability for the Intenet to level the playing field — everyone from individuals to small businesses can implement the same powerful technology once reserved for Fortune 500 companies, translated meaning only large businesses could afford the price tag.

I’m here to share with you some of my thoughts on interesting Open Source Applications and comment on the current trends. First the next trend in open source publishing systems is specific niche applications, for example, in the blogging area we have photo-blogs, audio blogs etc. So instead of publishing articles these systems are focused specifically on a media type. Two examples include PixelPost (http://www.pixelpost.org) a photo blogging software and LoudBlog (http://loudblog.de) audio blogging (podcasting) personal content management system. Of course both of these tools can be integrated into a larger scale CMS (content mgmt system) or they can be used alone. As personal publishing systems they are great, in addition the advantage of using this type of software is you are able to join a community around a common interest, for example photography.

Other trends according the Pew Internet & American Life Project are:

Selling Online: 17% of online American adults have used the internet to sell things
Using Web Cams: 16% of online American adults have gone online to view another person or a place via a web cam
Search Engine Use Up: Search engine use shoots up and edges towards email as the primary internet application
DIY Info: 55% of adult internet users have looked for “how-to,” “do-it-yourself” or repair information online and roughly 1 in 20 internet users – about 7 million people — search for help on a typical day
Podcasts Catch On: 22 million American adults own iPods or MP3 players and 29% of them have downloaded podcasts from the Web

Another interesting fact when considering doing business online and marketing to your audience. According to Pew Internet & American Life Project men like the internet for the experiences it offers, while women like it for the human connections it promotes.

So taking this all into consideration what does this mean for doing business online? Using a search engine to promote your services and content will pay off because people trust them to find the targetted information they need quickly. No more clicking around, trying to find what is best on your own, i.e., surfing mindlessly. Next DIY and selling online seems that people are looking for information to empower them to use the internet as a tool for them to reach out beyond their immediate physical location and sell to the world. So if you are someone who can teach them how to do this faster, easier and more effectively then you’ve got an edge and you’ve got appealing content they may be interested in paying you for. Web cams — again this is an early adopter type of technology so if you can teach someone how to use it or give them tools/advice on setting it up then this is valuable. Podcasts can be an easy way to provide information and promote your products/services to people so publishing a audio blog might be something you should consider. In addition, teaching others how to use/choose/setup the tools/technology they can use to promote/publish online is another great way to make money — although you content has to be unique and save them time more than money because most of the software tools are free.

What are your thoughts/comments? Agree/disagree or if you have something valuable to add to the discussion please do. But the trends are there — personal publishing is still hot but is transitioning to specific verticles. Services and support for those who are venturing online to take advantage of the technology will need support and information. Advertising on search engines is a no-brainer since more and more users are turning to this tool to avoid the need to ’surf’ the net mindlessly. (time is valuable and people want it quick)