Google OpenSocial refers to a set of common application programming interfaces that application developers may utilize to be able to create applications that work on any social networks or hosts that wants to participate. This was released in the year 2007 and all applications that implemented OpenSocial APIS is interoperable with any social network system that supports them.
When Google OpenSocial was implemented, it experienced several problems in terms of vulnerabilities in security. It also did not work so well at the start when it can only be run on Okrut, which is owned by Google. It also has a limited number of gadgets. Another criticism was that it was easily cracked for as short as 20 minutes.
What are the benefits?
OpenSocial does not have its own mark-up language: Developers use normal javascript and html. The main benefits of Google OpenSocial is that it can be used by developers using their existing front end code and pattern it after OpenSocial. The creation therefore of applications is easier with Google OpenSocial.
Secondly, there are applications that have full functionality on profile with regards to specific rules of every host. Facebook limits its functionality to the canvas page and therefore has limited features. Google OpenSocial, however, is silent when it comes to rules and policies of the hosts. There are no rules on whether advertising is accepted or if a developer can get inside without application. It is the hosts that make the policies while the APIs offers maximum flexibility.
The future of Google OpenSocial is quite bright because there is no need to learn another mark-up language for every social network platform and also its flexibility in terms of rules and policies.