As I was putting together my calendar for SXSW Interactive 2006 I kept bumping into two key terms that are currently floating around the web world: “Web 2.0″ and “Digital Convergence”.

Web 2.0
A buzzword marking the Internet industry’s transition from the dot-com era. Whereas dot-coms attempted to take a brick-and-mortar operation — such as a bookstore — and replicate it online, Web 2.0 companies draw on the Internet’s vast pool of information and technical resources to deliver new user experiences.

My Thoughts:
Recognizing one’s weaknesses and using resources to compensate for them is a crucial tool in owning a new-media business. As long as accountability is present, everything is kosher…I’m proud to proclaim that this blog was a pre-built application called WordPress.

The implications of Web 2.0 vary. An inexperienced internet business could thrive by using (and reselling) open-source applications and design templates. Developing a conceptual and unique product is out the window. While a new media specialist could utilize the resouces to deliver a product that is far superior, and cheaper, than what could be developed from scratch with a large inhouse workforce.

Digital Convergence
A concept that was born during the dot-com era but is just now becoming a reality. The process by which all these separate media become digital and come to be delivered via the global network is known as Digital Convergence. i.e. Books, photographs, movies, televisions, stereo systems, letters, post cards, baby pictures, billboards, telephones, fax machines.

My Thoughts:
Acquiring tangible items is a basic need for all humans. True, this might evolve into a need for more data and a screen to look at, however, the suggestion that books will be extinct is pretty bold. All information is not on the internet and getting it there will be a long time coming. Go to a library. Travel. Shake hands with a person.

The most important aspect of Digital Convergence is the impact on Communication and Knowledge. Communication becomes easier which makes the world much smaller. Knowledge becomes broader and brighter which makes the world better.

~ David Tisdale