The document discusses the open web and how open standards allow for collaboration and decentralization of information. It argues that an open web gives users more control over their online experience and influence over what technologies are designed and built. While open standards are important, the document acknowledges that other factors also matter for technologies. Overall it promotes consideration of how openness can benefit both users and the development of the web.

1. Openness and the Web
Ted Leung
Open Source Applications
Foundation

2. Why do I care?
• Cosmo
• Screenshots

3. The W3 Web
Decentralized Information/Behavior Structure

4. The open standards web
HTML Flash
Quicktime
HTTP
MP3
Javascript
MP4
WMA
WMV
H.264
Yada yada

5. if((m = ua.match(/Firefox/([^s$]+)/))) {
…
} else if((m = ua.match(/Galeon[;/]s?([^s;$]+)/))) {
…
} else if((m = ua.match(/Epiphany/([^s$]+)/))) {
…
} else if((m = ua.match(/Netscape/([^s$]+)/))) {
…
} else if((m = ua.match(/K-Meleon/([^s$]+)/))) {
…
} else if((m = ua.match(/Camino/([^s$]+)/))) {
…
} else if((m = ua.match(/Safari/([^s$]+)/))) {
…
} else if((m = ua.match(/NetFront/([^s$]+)/))) {
…
} else if((m = ua.match(/Opera[/s]([^s$]+)/))) {
…
} else if((m = ua.match(/Konqueror/([^s$;]+)/))) {
…
} else if((m = ua.match(/WebPro/))) {
…
} else if((m = ua.match(/Mozilla/5.0.*rv:([^)]*).*Gecko/))) {
…
} else if((m = ua.match(/MSIE ([^;]+);/)) &&
(d.platform.indexOf(quot;Winquot;) >= 0 ||
d.platform.indexOf(quot;Macquot;) >= 0)) {
…
}

6. The “maybe” web
Flex SVG
XForms
Silverlight
JavaFX
OpenLaszlo
…

7. What do I mean by open?
It’s not about IP
It’s about collaboration

8. No single company owns me
http://www.flickr.com/photos/alexhailong/152509325/

9. I can be a citizen
I have some say in my own destiny
Citizenship comes with responsibilities
Citizenship implies participation

10. I have a say in direction
What features get designed/built
Don’t want design by committee
Willing to have decisions made by
parties that have earned trust/merit

11. My labor can influence
outcomes
If I am willing to work I have a say in when
features get delivered.
If I am willing to work, that is.

12. I can work with other people
Sharing their brainpower and experience
Even if they are employed by someone
else

13. Not all the smart people work
for you

14. I don’t mean
http://www.flickr.com/photos/b-tal/149130210/

15. A mob/riot
http://www.flickr.com/photos/devonakmon/7300484/

16. Openness and compatibility
are not at odds
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sfllaw/222795669/

17. Won’t the web route around
bad (closed) players?
• Did it route around IE?
• Did people route around Windows by
buying Macs?

18. Let’s look at a scorecard
AJAX Open*
OpenLaszlo Promising
Flex Promising, but early
Flash Not very promising+
Silverlight Not very promising
JavaFX Somewhat
promising, definitely
early

19. I hope I’ve given you something to think
about
I’m not suggesting that openness is the
only thing that matters.
I am suggesting that you consider its
importance

20. If you found this provoking
Help someone else understand
Be polite and respectful