The term “web 2.0” has become quite the buzzword in the web industry over the past couple years. Clients request it, bloggers discuss it, and, strangely enough, everyone seems to have a different idea of what “web 2.0” means. Because there’s different understandings of what “web 2.0” actually means, the ambiguity and confusion has led many to believe that “web 2.0” is dead. And in the same short breath, they claim that the dawn of “web 3.0” is upon us. I don’t think it’s fair to say that web 2.0 is dead. Web 2.0, in my mind, is a process – one that doesn’t end.

The term “Web 2.0” often refers to a perceived second generation of web development and design, that aims to facilitate communication, secure information sharing, interoperability, and collaboration on the World Wide Web. Web 2.0 concepts have led to the development and evolution of web-based communities, hosted services, and applications; such as social-networking sites, video-sharing sites, wikis, blogs, and folksonomies.’ As defined by Wikipedia, itself a web 2.0 by-product.

Several days ago, I received a newsletter from iStockphoto.com, which made me wonder about current browser trends.Here is the email:

Starting in 2010, iStock will begin phasing out support for Internet Explorer 6 or lower. Why? Other than PC World Magazine ranking it the 8th worst tech product of all time, here’s our top 5 reasons to upgrade:

1. Security continues to be an issue with this legacy browser. We want people browsing to be safe!
2. It’s slow. Too slow. It’s orders of magnitude slower than modern, efficient browsers.
3. It’s non-standards compliant. This means our developers have to develop an almost completely different version of iStock to run on it.
4. It doesn’t properly support cool new functionality that you are asking for, and we want to deliver.
5. Alternatives are free, fast and easy to download:
   • Internet Explorer 7
   • Internet Explorer 8 R.C. 1

One of the most important aspects of web site maintenance is content updates. New content in the form of new products and services, monthly special offerings, useful tips and noteworthy news articles and press releases will give your audience a reason to keep coming back to your site. This will also increase your chance of converting your visitor into a customer. If your web content is stale, visitors will search elsewhere for the things they need. It is therefore very important that the company web site is updated and enhanced regularly with new content and technology. See it as a way of protecting your site and investment.

As you think about upcoming maintenance you would like to perform on your site please consider these two tips that will help encourage returning web site visitors:

We often meet with potential clients that are justifiably looking to redesign their current website.  Depending on how long an organization has been in existence many organizations may be on their third, fourth or even fifth iteration.  With fast-moving technologies like website development, everyone seems to want the latest and greatest, but at times we often wonder at what expense.

With all eyes on our struggling economy and growing concerns for the environment, a majority of companies are looking for solutions that both save money and the environment. Blue Water Media’s web and graphic design departments are here to help companies move towards going green while saving green. Here are a few things to consider when beginning your next project.

Web Updates and E-newsletters
Keep your web site fresh and up-to-date, adding new content and/or features you will keep your visitors intrigued. Through the very nature of their business some companies update their sites consistently. Whether it be new products, services, events, promotions, specials, press releases, blogs, or message boards each of these help to build the interactivity of your site, and will improve traffic to establish a stronger web presence.