February 5th, 2008
MySpace Developer Platform launches
As promised, MySpace has launched its developer platform, meaning that third-party developers can start building applications for the social networking site. Although users were previously allowed to run third-party mini-apps or widgets on their profiles — with a full developer platform, applications will now have direct access to users’ public MySpace profile data (interests, region, friends’ list etc.) through the provision of MySpace Developer Platform (MDP) APIs.
A few of the key takeaways:
- Developers will have access to all public profile data and will be able to use JavaScript, HTML and ActionScript (Flash).
- Privacy controls will be the same as currently exist: profile data made public will be accessible by MDP apps, private profile data will not.
- For security reasons, MDP apps will utilize a Google-developed technology called “Kaja” in order to keep vulnerabilities out of the code, particularly JavaScript.
- Applications will have to go through some sort of official review process before they go live.
- MDP supports the Google-led
OpenGadgetOpenSocial, making it easier to port apps to other social networking sites, although MySpace has added extensions of their own. - MDP apps can be monetized by developers through running ads on the ‘canvas’ page, the main area of the site where each application is interacted with.
Steve O'Hear is a London-based consultant, educator, and journalist, focussing on the Internet and all aspects of digital technology. See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations.
