A Mashup is a web application that combines data from more than one source into a single integrated tool. The concept of integrating data from two different platforms to create a unique application is fast becoming the USP of most tech savvy firms across the globe.

Web application developers are using Amazon, eBay, Facebook, Flickr, Google, Twitter, Microsoft, Yahoo and YouTube APIs to create stunning applications. Mashups are a form of technology integration as they can be adapted to join together many technologies and use many types of implementation languages. Some mash-ups can be as simple as mixing together some JavaScript code with XML to create a new and innovative web-based service.

Mashups can be categorized in 3 different classifications:

1. Consumer mashups
2. Data mashups
3. Business mashups.

A good example of the consumer mashup is the way Google Maps can be integrated in web sites to add an interactive value proposition.

A data mashup mixes data of similar types from different sources, eg. Yahoo combines multiple RSS feeds into a single feed with a graphical front end.

A business mashup is a combination of the above, focusing on both data aggregation and presentation, and additionally adding collaborative functionality, making the end result suitable for use as a business application. Eg. A content aggregator.

Mashups within mashups are known as 'monster mashups'!

Many people are convinced in the power of mashups in personalising content and view mashups as the future of the web. Here are a few good examples of Mashups:

www.constantsetting.com - Flickr-based mashup where you can view sunset photos from all over the world.

www.ticketstumbler.com - A robust sports ticket search engine that allows instant comparison across multiple vendors.

www.trendfo.com - Tracks the latest search keywords on the Internet and provides fresh, relevant info for quickly learning about the Internet’s hottest trends.

www.infinitube.net - Non-stop YouTube videos based on a keyword query.

Interestingly, Mashup originally referred to the practice in pop music (notably hip-hop) of producing a new song by mixing two or more existing pieces together.

For more info, contact sharad@cyber-gear.com

Back