Image courtesy - Fabric Ventures
Web 3.0 is here. But what is Web 3.0? And how will it change the way we use the Internet? The Internet is moving from being a repository of static information to a platform for limitless possibilities. Web 3.0 is the next generation of the Internet, where everything online is connected to everything else online, where all of it works together in real-time.
This change in the way the internet works can bring about a massive shift in the way businesses function.
What is Web 3.0?
Originally called The Semantic Web by Tim Berners-Lee, Web 3.0 is a much more advanced version of Web 2.0. It is completely data-driven and is here to cause massive disruption on the Internet filled with Data. Web 3.0 is basically an interaction between machines and human-to-machines without any middlemen. This is possible with the help of advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Cloud Computing, and Data Networks.
According to the recent statistics by Statista, there are about 4.66 billion active internet users as of January 2021. In such a case, it's difficult for companies and individuals alike to make sense of huge chunks of data generated every single day. Web 3.0 is here to help you make sense of the data and extract useful information without wasting too much time.
The Progression Of Web Over The Years
Let's look at the previous versions of the Web and how they are different from Web 3.0.
The Static Web - Web 1.0
Tim Berners-Lee created the very first version of the Web in 1989. He named it Web 1.0. It was also called the "Read-Only Web". Web 1.0 was a collection of data presented in a static way. It didn't require much storage space as the user's interaction was limited to the bare minimum with actions like commenting, changing content on the website, creating directories, etc.
Web 1.0 was developed using basic HTML and HTTP protocol. The only way to access these web pages was through the specific link of the websites.
The Interactive Web - Web 2.0
After years of information exchange through basic HTML sites, the second version of the Web was released in 2004 by Dale Dougherty and O'Reilly VP. Web 2.0 was also called the Wisdom Web or Read/Write Web. This version of the Web-enabled users to update and edit their content from time to time, unlike Web 1.0. It has created a two-way flow of information wherein both the content providers and viewers could interact.
Web 2.0 has given rise to Social Media Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, Flickr, YouTube, etc. With that came the rise of user-generated content like photos sharing, blogs, podcasts, videos, etc.
Web 2.0 used new generation web technologies and standards like JavaScript, Ajax, CSS, DOM, HTML, and Adobe Flash, which provided a great user experience.
The Executable Web - Web 3.0
Web 3.0 was first coined by John Markoff in 2006 and is the advanced version of Web 1.0 and Web 2.0. It was also termed the "Semantic Web" by the founder of the World Wide Web, Tim Berners-Lee. The idea behind Web 3.0 is to structure and link data to initiate processes like integration, automation, Computer-Interactions, and other applications. With the sole purpose to allow users to search, share and use data more efficiently, the Semantic Web is here to revolutionize the Web.
What Are The Features Of Web 3.0?
The new "Semantics Web" will make the environment on the Internet - open, permissionless, and trustless.
But what does that mean?
Open - Websites, social, and other online networks will be created from open-source software. This will create a community of people who can access and make changes to the network as they feel right, with real-time changes.
Permissionless - The semantic web will allow users to join any group or platform without having to comply with any rules.
Trustless - Users will be able to interact on the Web without the help of any centralized system, like a company or government.
These Web 3.0 Features will not only give the internet users access to ample amounts of information but also the freedom to use it as they like, at their own discretion.
How Is It Better Than Web 1.0 & Web 2.0
Using Web 1.0, the users could only access the Internet using computers. This changed when Web 2.0 was introduced. It allowed the users to access the Internet through Computers, PCs, Smartphones, and other mobile devices. But Web 3.0 will remove the barrier of getting access to the Internet only through certain devices.
With Web 3.0, Internet users will be able to access all types of content through any device, irrespective of the format. The next-generation Web 3.0 is a decentralized model of the Internet. It has come into the picture already with cryptocurrency and digital money transfer options.
Here's how Web 3.0 will benefit everyone, be it, individual users, organizations, or machines.
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It will personalize every action you take on the Internet. Whether it's ads, products, TV shows, or Google searches, Web 3.0 will better understand your preferences.
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Searching on the Internet will become a lot easier. With virtual assistants like Siri, Alexa, Google, and Cortana, voice search is slowly becoming dominant. However, the developments in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Technologies will make the searches more human-like in the future.
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Web 3.0 apps will give users a rich and real-like experience.
Web 3.0 - The Catalyst Of Change For Businesses
The Internet is steadily evolving with Web 3.0, giving big and small organizations enough time to adapt to the changes. Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies, and virtual communities have already started to own the Internet's real estate.
Businesses will have to find ways to create or make changes to their existing products/services for the new Web. Web 3.0 will bring a massive shift in various industries like Digital Marketing, IT, Hospitality, E-Commerce, Travel, and Automobile, to name a few.
This change will boost the education sector as there's a huge demand to learn new technologies that'll help develop Web products for Web 3.0.
The Bottom Line
The Internet is a vast and ever-changing web of information and opportunities. Many changes will come with Web 3.0, and it will change the way we do business. In the future, more and more businesses will use these new technologies that run on Web 3.0. There's no time to wait anymore!
Book a consultation call with us and see how we can help your business make a shift to Web 3.0.