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Friendster Deploys Developer Program and Launches Directory
of Over 180 Applications
SAN FRANCISCO, December 11, 2007 - Friendster, Inc. (www.friendster.com) today launched a directory of over 180 applications, enabling its more than 56 million global users to easily discover, add and use applications on and off the Friendster.com website. These applications, called “widgets” throughout the industry, have been integrated into the Friendster user experience by developers leveraging Friendster’s Developer Program, released as a pilot program on October 25, 2007 and now fully deployed at http://www.friendster.com/developer.
Friendster, the #1 social network in Asia and the third largest branded social network in the world, is among the first major global social networks to launch a developer platform and rich directory of applications for its users within a production environment. Others have announced plans or released documentation but have not launched, while others have a limited number of applications available today for their users.
Additionally, Friendster.com is available in the top languages used on the Internet today and welcomes and encourages developers to build applications in languages other than English. For example, Yobo.com has integrated its Chinese-language music discovery and sharing application with Friendster using the Friendster Developer Program. Additional non-English language applications are under development and will be deployed in the weeks and months ahead.
The Friendster Developer Program is designed to provide developers with several key features/benefits including:
- Freedom to Monetize Applications - Developers can monetize their applications using virtually any model for monetization, and no revenue share with Friendster is required. Unlike other social networks, ads and monetization will be allowed anywhere in the application and are not restricted to rarely-used detail or configuration pages.
- Open Platform - The Friendster Developer Program includes APIs compatible with those used throughout the industry. As a result, existing applications on other social networks can easily be imported to Friendster. And, existing flash or HTML widgets/applications used on other social networks are also supported on Friendster without requiring developers to invest effort to modify their design or user experience. Additionally, when the OpenSocial APIs are completed and secure, Friendster will support OpenSocial APIs, allowing OpenSocial applications to be used with Friendster.
- Equal Opportunity - Friendster released its developer program documentation, testing environment and schedule in advance to provide equal opportunity for developers around the world to compete for mindshare and adoption by Friendster’s more than 56 million users. Since that announcement on October 25, developers have had over one month to plan, build and integrate their widgets and applications with Friendster for inclusion in today’s launch.
To date, six companies have piloted the Friendster Developer Program in the last several months including Rockyou, Slide.com, Clearspring, Imeem, Jangl, and Gbox. In the last several weeks, scores of developers have built applications for Friendster including 360 Gadget, Active Worlds, AmnestyWidgets, Astrology.com, BigDates, Chinese Zodiac Horoscope, Chromacoders, ChronusCorp, Clearspring, Cortex Creations, Experience Project, Fliptrack, Frencaze, Frozenbear, Gamedesire, Gbox, Gigya, Gizmoz, Go Tiger, Guidecast, GWN, Honesty Box , ImageChef, Imeem, Immerse, Improsys, Issue Dictionary, Jangl, Job Board, LE Software, Leafletter, Lukup, Mangokiwi, MashedUp, LLC, Meez, Mesmo TV, Minekey, MixerCast, My Foot Map, MyGoForIt, MyMiniLife, MyTripMap, Ngoprek, Onezine, Pickspal, Pivotal Labs, Pollection, Presidio Media, ProTrade, Pyramid Lotto, Qloud, RateMyBody, Refresh Corp, Ribbd, RJ Softwares, RockYou, Shelfari, ShopPay, Simple Star, Sivrin, Skycore, Slide, Sociallyloud, TravelPod, TripAdvisor, Tripod Computing, TrustPlus, TV Loop, Ubelt, Unype, UserPlane, Watercooler, Wedsnap, Where I've Been, Wishafriend, Yepb, YOBO, ZDK Interactive, and Zerocode.
Within Friendster’s Developer Program, developers are also currently building browser plug-ins, desktop applications, and mobile applications that help Friendster’s 56 million users do a wide variety of activities even when not logged-in and using Friendster.com. Examples of these applications include getting your Friendster network activity delivered via a browser plug-in, on your desktop computer, or via your mobile phone; consuming Friendster content like new photos or messages; or uploading content to Friendster.com via different devices or user experiences.
Users can discover new applications through several existing Friendster features including:
- Directory - All applications will be listed in a directory located at http://www.friendster.com/widgetdirectory and grouped by category.
- “My Network Activity” Module - When a user adds an application, this event will appear in the “My Network Activity” module (that summarizes a user’s activity for their friends in the network), which will virally promote a given application to the user’s friends.
- Forward to Friend - Members can share a new application with their friends using a number of Friendster’s features, such as: Messages, Bulletins, Comments, Shoutouts, and more.
- Browsing Profile Pages - Users browsing other profile pages can discover new applications and “grab” and configure them for their own profile page.
- Fan Profiles - Most developers have a Friendster Fan Profile page to further promote their applications to Friendster users and to maintain an ongoing dialog with their fans to announce enhancements and new applications, and soliciting feedback. (See www.friendster.com/fanprofiles for more information.)
Within weeks, an API for notifications will be introduced letting developers allow users to tell their friends automatically about new application via a message on Friendster. Also, the directory will be enhanced to help user’s further sort and discover applications. Additional APIs will be added to the Developer Program over the coming weeks and months to power new and compelling applications.
About Friendster
With more than 56 million members worldwide, Friendster is a leading global online social network. Friendster is focused on helping people stay in touch with friends and discover new people and things that are important to them. Online adults, 18 and up, choose Friendster to connect with friends, family, school, social groups, activities and interests. Friendster prides itself in delivering a clean, user-friendly and interactive environment where users can easily connect with anyone around the world. Friendster has a growing portfolio of patents granted to the company on social networking, with more expected over the next several months. Headquartered in San Francisco, California, Friendster is backed by Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Benchmark Capital, DAG Ventures and individual investors. For more information, visit: www.friendster.com.
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Media Contact
Lerin O'Neill
The Hoffman Agency for Friendster
408-975-3037
loneill@hoffman.com
