Mash-up
What is a mash-up?
A Mash-up is a form of aggregation technology, it is a hybrid application that makes use of one or more web services. Most mash-ups are simply services such as feed readers and search tools that are incorporated into other sites. Stock tickers and weather guides are all forms of mashup.
However, the more interesting mashups make use of third party services to add a previously absent dimension to their data. Google maps is a good example as its services are often used as a means of displaying information geographically.
How do I mashup?
There are two perspectives to the mashup.
- Exposing elements of your data for others to use in their mashups or
- Consuming data exposed by others in your mashup.
The simplest mashups can be achieved with a quick copy and paste. This simplicity is largely due to the efforts of the organization providing the service, in attempts to promote its use. The more innovative and complex of course the more work is involved in getting the data and making sure it is delivered in an appropriate way.
Why would I want to mashup?
A Hybrid application or mashup can bring all kinds of benefits ranging from cost cuts to increased site traffic. The often visual or novelty appeal of some of the more popular mashups can sometimes overshadow some of the more serious applications.
Here is an example of a mashup that uses the google maps api to deliver a map showing recent pirate activity. www.icc-ccs.org
In general you will want to look for some service that when combined with your data enriches your websites user experience.
If your organization is larger or has a lot of data it may be worth considering developing an API that allows you to share or license-out that data to others.
What METHOD IT can do?
A mash-up can make use of any service that makes its API available, in other words, allows you to interface with it. We can help you identify what services are available to you and what approaches may best suit your goals. If you have some service you want to utilize or are considering exposing some of your data to others we can help guide you to make the right decisions and achieve your development objectives.
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