Web 3.0

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Figure 2.6.: The relationship between the Web, the Users, and Content Providers in Web 2.0 (Bernal 2010)

2.4.3. Web 3.0

Web 3.0 is the most current phase of the developing and evolving phase of the Web. Although it is description, definition and characteristics are ambiguous among academics; many related studies suggest that the development of this phase focuses and gravitates towards Semantics and Services (Benjamins, Davies et al. 2007, Hendler 2008, Silva, Rahman et al. 2008, Hendler 2009, Raffl, Hofkirchner et al. 2009, Bernal 2010, Hendler 2010, Verizon 2010). Web 3.0 is also referred to as the

“Semantic Web” by Tim Berners-Lee (Funk 2009), because it will use semantics, the study of meanings behind words and information, to interpret data hence deliver more appropriate and relevant contents to end-users (Hendler 2010). Web 3.0 is intended to evolve out of upgrades and extensions to existing Web 2.0 functionalities, not through the reengineering or replacement of content and systems (Verizon 2010). From this, Web 2.0 can be regarded as a subset of Web 3.0.

Generally, the concept of Web 3.0 emphasizes three main characteristics (Verizon 2010):

 The capability of obtaining contextual information from a Web platform

 The ability to obtain information drawn from a variety of previously incompatible Web applications or sources from different Web platforms

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 The engagement of all agents including human and machines in data creation, data use to enhance communication, cooperation and collaboration

As “Semantics Web”, Web 3.0 often is associated with the evolution to an

“intelligent web.” (Verizon 2010) It’s anticipated that the intelligent web will address the lack of structure and organization in Web 2.0 by linking information from distinct sources and systems to make the web even easier to use, more efficient, and more valuable to its users (Ivanova and Ivanova 2009). Semantics technologies in Web 3.0 will introduce new techniques for organizing content and new tools that will make it possible for software and applications to collect, interpret, and use data in ways that can add meaning and structure to information where it did not and could not exist before (Funk 2009). In concept, Web 3.0 will be able to unleash services that utilizes high volumes of meaningful information from disparate digital sources, from web content to e-mail or files residing on a PC, essentially allowing the Web to penetrate the Internet (Benjamins, Davies et al. 2007). It will offer tools to better manage flows of information, and deliver a faster and richer user experience (Verizon 2010). Machine and intelligent software-based agents will be able

“understand” the user and transform the concept of a “Machine to Machine” and

“Machine to Human” relationship to “Machines for Humans to Human” relationship (Silva, Rahman et al. 2008).

One of the fundamental features of Web 3.0 will be its capability to use unstructured information on the Web more intelligently by semantics (Hendler 2009). Specific information resources on the web will be organized, correlated, and linked to other resources of common interest by the use of natural language processing and semantic technologies that can index, retrieve and interpret data, as well as establish relationships between disparate data elements in anticipation of a user’s requests (Hendler 2010). A user, for example, will be able to process text-based information in ways that are similar to the methods employed today to process structured or numeric data from spreadsheets and databases. A search

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engine will be able to understand queries presented as full questions and serve up accurate and relevant results, even if the results do not necessarily contain the specific search terms used (Hendler 2010). Technologies will also be able to provide better filtered data and improve search-result quality as well as deliver the relevant contents that best serves the user’s intentions (Verizon 2010). By focusing on content quality rather than quantity, Web 3.0 technologies help address the problem of information overload, which can often overwhelm or unnecessarily distract users to cognize, communicate, cooperate and collaborate over the Web (Verizon 2010).

The capability to cross-reference, interconnect, process, and remix data, applications, and information from the many diverse sources on the web introduces a new level of openness in the information technology sector (Verizon 2010).

Interoperability between information or application silos makes it possible to combine data from individual resources in new ways and to create contents that have more value than their original source materials might have had individually (Funk 2009). The larger body of information available to a content allows users to ask questions across disciplines and makes it possible to use and share information in more productive ways (Verizon 2010). The opportunities to integrate and mingle data introduced by these new capabilities will enhance the cooperation and collaboration process between participating agents (Raffl, Hofkirchner et al. 2009, Verizon 2010). Thus, openness between data sources has breakthrough potential to open up relationships between businesses and foster product and service collaborations between companies that previously may have not have had the intentions to work together (Funk 2009).

Some of the semantic technologies that will be used to make Web 3.0 possible include the Resource Description Framework (RDF), which describes information so that it can be read and understood by computer applications. RDF is used to link data from different websites or databases, which enhances the Web’s connectivity to all types of devices and information sources. Another semantic technology is the Web Ontology Language (OWL), which could also play a key role. OWL will enable an application to process or interpret information contained in documents rather

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than simply presenting the information or documents to the user. These technologies, among others, can be used to assert relationships between data obtained from individual or multiple applications or sources and merge information from previously unrelated sources (Hendler 2009).

Web 3.0 will also build on fundamental technology-based services that play important roles in IT and communications today, also known as the Service Oriented Architecture or SOA. For example, the rapidly increasing adoption of cloud-based services and data storage, which will facilitate information access and analysis processes used to provide context-aware, intelligent information services and solutions (Verizon 2010). Another example is the growing popularity and importance of social media and user-generated content, which will continue to build new bodies of data and add perspective or value to others (Funk 2009). As these will technologies make it possible to access services, generate data and store it, Web 3.0 related services will help organize and link the information to optimize its use.

From the business and management perspective, one of the main benefits of the Web 3.0 for consumers is interactions personalization with digital devices and web applications (Silva, Rahman et al. 2008). On the other hand, producers will be able to take advantage of the many intriguing features and capabilities Web 3.0 brings to build better services and relationships with their customers. As new devices and software enabled by Web 3.0 tools and techniques become an integral part of the business process, producers would be able to find new opportunities to increase efficiencies, build intelligence into their business processes and strategies, and better target their customers’ needs (Verizon 2010). The increased access to organized data and ability to reuse it in different platform will lead to innovation and the development of new solutions (Verizon 2010). Further, the ability to access previously unavailable information and funnel it into an automated process or mashed-up application will add value to collaboration (Verizon 2010).

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