Emerging Technologies

RE: Most promising Web 2.0 tools for the developing world?

lokilogic — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 17:15:00 GMT

I think one of the biggest impacts of Web 2.0 on nonprofits and small businesses in developing countires has been on collaborative and productivity software, which before, was typically:

a) expensive to buy
b) required particular computer systems /specs

With a lot of Web 2.0 apps, productivity and communication apps can all be accessed through a simple Web browser (though broadband access is probably a minimal requirement as well) now.

Off the top of my head, some notable ones I think include:

basecamp- project mgmt, todo lists, discussion boards in an easy-to-use UI, accessible through any browser

Google Docs- google does Excel, Word in a simple and collaborative manner, once again, highly accessible through a browser

Meebo-IM is not new in organizations, but keeping connected easily through any browser is, particularly with this Web-based universal IM software.

Especially with so much information accessible from all parts of the globe, there's been a greater need for translation services. One I've used is Adsotrans (for Chinese translation). Combined with Firefox/Greasemonkey, you can essentially read any Simplified Chinese page in English; it's also leverage user-submitted definitions and translations to keep it ever-growing. There are plenty of similar sites that work for all types of language translations.

RE: Most promising Web 2.0 tools for the developing world?

wcook — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 20:54:00 GMT

For those of you who are interested in this topic, Mary Joyce of DemoBlog has just posted her Leapfrogging Borders: Social Change Technology in the Global South and its Implications for American NTAPs, to YouTube, which she'll be presenting at N-TEN by video.

Most promising Web 2.0 tools for the developing world?

wcook — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 20:39:00 GMT

What are the most promising Web 2.0 tools for organizations in the developing world? In The Internationalization of Web 2.0, consultant Teresa Crawford talks about creative ways nonprofits are using tools such as Skype, cell phones, and tagging.

Share your thoughts here.