The Future of Web Apps conference in London. The next generation of the Web will be built on HTML 5 and micropayments.

Microsoft’s Internet Explorer browser posted its largest market share loss last month since 2008, Web metrics company Net Applications said on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Google’s Chrome continues to gain on Apple’s Safari, closing within 1.25 percentage points. At its current pace, Chrome will replace Safari as the No. 3 browser in less than a year.

Internet Explorer dropped 1.1 percentage points last month, to 66.6 percent. The slide was the browser’s steepest since last November, when it dropped by 2 percentage points, according to Net Applications.

In the last 12 months, IE has lost 8.6 points of browser share.

Of that lost market share, Mozilla’s Firefox stood to benefit the most, taking about half that lost share to claim 23.3 percent of the market, nearly matching its record 23.8 percent set in April.

Here’s the breakdown of last month:

• Internet Explorer: 66.6%
• Mozilla Firefox: 23.3%
• Apple Safari: 4.1%
• Google Chrome: 2.9%
• Opera: 2.1%

The takeaway here? IE continues to lose dominance without much to support it. Since these statistics were taken last month, there’s no Windows 7 to consider, no Snow Leopard, and a lot of netbooks — mostly running Windows XP.

So we’re really just seeing more of the same trend that’s been accelerating in recent months: people opting out of using IE because:

1. It’s too slow to run satisfyingly on a netbook (+1 Firefox, Chrome, Opera)
2. Slight increase in Macs on the market (+1 Safari)
3. No Windows 7 at this time to drive default use (-1 IE)

Still, the figures show just how much of an incredible grip IE has on the general public.

But the game’s going to get very interesting right around January 2010. Why? Because Windows 7 will be on the market, the Q4 2009 holiday sales rush will move Windows 7 computers (notebooks and netbooks) off shelves, Apple’s recently released Snow Leopard will be adopted by more users, and Google’s distribution strategy to get Chrome on PCs will start paying off.

So you want to make a mashup but aren’t entirely sure where to begin? This page can help you get there.

1. Pick a subject

Answer the question: a mashup of what? Hint: Plotting markers on maps is probably the easiest place to start. It might just be the best delis in your neighborhood. While you could go for something more complex with muliple data sources: maps + photos + bookmarks + more, you may want to keep it simple to start.

This helps define what APIs and tools you’ll be looking at: maps, news, auctions, products, etc. Browse this site’s API Database and sort by Category to get a sense of API types. You can also browse the Mashup Listing to see which interesting applications have been built using which APIs.

2. Decide where your data is coming from

What is the source of your data? This can drive the APIs you’ll use. For example, if you want to do something with your photos on Flickr or sale items on eBay, then those vendors APIs are the likely candidates. Or, you may be inputting the data yourself such as with simple map markers. In which case your options are more open.

(For the purposes of this Guide, I won’t spend time distinguishing between a true ‘mashup’, thus 2 or more data sources, and just using an API, which may mean only 1 external source. The exact definition of mashup is vague so no need to fight semantics at the moment.)

3. Weigh your coding skills

Mashups, as of today, are mostly a programmer’s affair although there are some tools such as MapBuilder and Wayfaring that can help you create basic maps without coding.

How much of a coder are you?
Maps APIs are simplest but more sophisticated APIs, such as those for conducting financially-sensitive operations like auctions, are more complex.

How much time do you have?
Again, development speed is inversely proportional to complexity.

Do you have a server to run this on?
Simpler APIs can be used from JavaScript in a web page or take specially formated XML file as input (as shown here at Engadget). While this is indeed simple, security issues limit JavaScript’s suitability for true client-only mashups. Odds are that you will need to run your application from a web server which you manage or have access to.

What language will you use?
This is primarily driven by what programming languages you know. While your decision may also be influenced by vendor-provided toolkits, most web APIs aim to be language-agnostic so this is less of a vendor-dictacted issue than your own choice. You can use the API reference to see if an API has a language-specific toolkit (such as Flickr which has many).

Note that this whole step may arguably be Step 1, depending on your perspective.

4. Sign-up for an API

Most, but not all, API providers require you to have a developer/application ID, a user account with their service, or both. Some services give you one ID for as many applications as you write while others require you to get an ID for each application that you create. While this signup may sound complicated, and for a few services it is, most of the time this takes only a minute or two to complete. As an example, take a look at the Google Sign-up Page.

5. Start coding

For this step, the big one, rather than describe the many variations in detail, I’ll refer you to a variety of well-written and useful API-specific tutorials and introductions. You can also check the profile for any of the APIs and refer to resources from the reference section as needed.

Google is developing an operating system (OS) for personal computers, in a direct challenge to market leader Microsoft and its Windows system.

Google Chrome OS will be aimed initially at small, low-cost netbooks, but will eventually be used on PCs as well.

Google said netbooks with Chrome OS could be on sale by the middle of 2010.

“Speed, simplicity and security are the key aspects of Google Chrome OS,” the firm said in its official blog.

The operating system, which will run on an open source license, was a “natural extension” of its Chrome browser, the firm said.

‘Back to basics’

“We’re designing the OS to be fast and lightweight, to start up and get you onto the web in a few seconds,” said the blog post written by Sundar Pichai, vice president of product management, and Google’s engineering director Linus Upson.

Both men said that “the operating systems that browsers run on were designed in an era where there was no web” and that this OS is “our attempt to re-think what operating systems should be”.

To that end, the search giant said the new OS would go back to basics.

“We are completely redesigning the underlying security architecture of the OS so that users don’t have to deal with viruses, malware and security updates.

“It should just work,” said Google.

Google already has an operating system for mobile phones called Android which can also be used to run on netbooks. Google Chrome OS will be aimed not just at laptops but also at desktops for those who spend a lot of time on the web.

Read more on Official Google Blog

We have received a lot of requests for mobile application development.  Most of the time the request is for a specific platform like the iPhone or Blackberry, but every so often we get a request for “all major mobile devices.”  That request usually changes when people realize that developing on iPhone, Blackberry, Android, Windows Mobile, Palm, etc. really means developing five or more separate applications.  The next question is usually what platform should they target first. That’s not an easy question to answer, because of the constant changes in the landscape and the type of application in question.  Here’s how we tackle it:

Is It Really a Web Application?
If your application is really a web application that relies on external data, doesn’t rely on phone specific data or local storage, then you really can build one application: A web application. WAP as a standard never really took off, and most smartphones (including Blackberry) now use full featured web browsers. Setting up a web application to recognize the browser and operating system of a requestor and serve up appropriately formatted content is relatively straightforward. The main design considerations are lower bandwidth and smaller screen resolutions. This puts a premium on providing the most important information in bite size chunks, as well as having bigger button and form element targets. This is far cheaper than building a separate application for each platform.

Worth noting: The web traffic of all mobile web browsers together only makes up a small fraction of overall web traffic, and the iPhone dominates that traffic, generating two thirds of all mobile web traffic. This is primarily because the web browsing experience is just so much better on the iPhone than on other mobile platforms. Because Apple’s aesthetic and expected interactions for native applications are so pronounced, the most effective web applications targeting the iPhone have mimmiced the aesthetic and interaction patterns.

we covered the simple case, where your application is really a web app, not really using any device features, without local storage, just pulling data from a web application. This time, we’ll tackle true native applications

iPhone: Better Bring Your A Game.
Pros: The best application platform, the best ecosystem (iTunes) for synchronization and applications, the dominant digital music platform (iPod/ITunes.) The most reliable, the fastest growing in 2008. The most applications downloaded, the most applications paid for. By far the best user experience for everything other than email. Deep Pockets and commitment to the platform.

Cons: There are now over 30,000 applications in the iPhone Store, so standing out from the crowd is not easy. There are dozens of sudoku programs, over a dozen task management programs, just to name a few. iPhone acceptance as a platform supported by corporate IT departments lags significantly behind Blackberry (although it is the number two platform.) AT&T as exclusive carrier until 2010.

Bottom Line: If your application will be primarily purchased by individuals and it will stand out from the crowd, this is the first platform to develop for. If you’re building a me too application, good luck

Worth Noting: Epocrates, maker of the popular mobile drug and formulary reference was able to capitalize on the advanced capabilities of the iPhone, particularly the powerful processor, rich graphics and large storage capacity to provide significantly more functionality than on any other mobile device they support.

BlackBerry: Corporate Clients and a Keyboard
Pros: The Blackberry is well established as the preferred platform of corporate IT departments, with 76% currently supporting it. That combined with the physical QUERTY keyboard make it the king of corporate email and top target for enterprise application integration. They ship a lot of units, jockeying with Apple for the most sales each quarter. Available on multiple carriers.

Cons: Blackberry is playing catch up to Apple on an Appstore, reportedly finally opening their store later this week. Unlike Apple, there are a proliferation of interfaces and form factors, some with touch screen, some not. The user interface and experience for most applications that don’t primarily rely on a keyboard or text entry tends to be clunky. The processor, storage, and graphics capabilities are far less advanced than the iPhone.

Bottom Line: If your application relies heavily on a keyboard and purchase is mediated by corporate IT departments (as front ends for enterprise applications mostly are) then this should be your top platform. For other apps, it’s number two to the iPhone.

Google Android: Everyone Else, Who’s Emerging and Who’s Sinking into the Swamp

Pros: Google has deep pockets, has gotten a lot of developer support, and probably has the second best web browsing experience to the iPhone. Integration with Google apps is strong, and also has a physical keyboard. Available on multiple carriers, with more and more companies signing on rather than going it alone against Apple and RIM.

Cons: As a relatively new platform, Android does not have the market penetration of either the iPhone or Blackberry, and without the anchors of itunes/ipod or corporate email clients, will have a tougher time establishing a niche, and may face some of the same issues Microsoft has faced as an operating system licensor (as opposed to all in one firms like Apple and RIM.)

Bottom Line: Google, with their deep pockets and development chops should not be counted out, but unless you have a niche integrating with Google applications, it should rank well behind the iPhone and Blackberry.

Microsoft: Windows Mobile
Pros: Microsoft has deep pockets and has proven staying power in the past.

Cons: They have been losing market share to superior platforms from Apple and RIM, with other hardware vendors moving to Android as a more competitive alternative. The platform has a reputation for being slow, buggy, and expensive to develop for, with multiple form factors and reference platforms.

Bottom Line: Microsoft’s deep pockets should not be counted out, but they are caught between a rock and a hard place. Seeing how they respond will be interesting, but unless you’ve already bet the farm on Windows Mobile, now is not the time to start.

Palm
Pros: Despite a litany of mistakes over the past 6 years, including spinning off their operating system and licensing Windows mobile, the Palm brand is still recognized and retains some value to consumers. The new Palm Pre device and brand new operating system have gotten very positive reviews.

Cons: Unlike when they first entered and conquered the handheld market, they are re-entering a much more competitive landscape, with established players with much deeper pockets. Apple has made comments that some interpret as a claim of patent infringement, and Palm’s only carrier, Sprint, is rated last in service by Consumer Reports.

Bottom Line: Their remaining brand equity and strong new entry give them a chance, but you shouldn’t bet the farm on them succeeding.

Nokia
Pros: Nokia has great worldwide mobile phone market share, a strong history of R&D and deep pockets.

Cons: They have been left behind in smartphones in the US, and are working hard to catch up.

Bottom Line: As with Microsoft, don’t count them out, but if you’re targeting North America, don’t invest a lot here now.

Our Conclusion: iPhone, Blackberry and then Everyone Else
For applications that need to reside on the mobile platform, the answer right now is to concentrate on iPhone and Blackberry, and then worry about everyone else. Which you should target first depends on your application. The market changes quickly though, so stay tuned in this space for updates…

Alright here it comes what I was doing since last week, going to share what’s it all about…

yes that’s right I was working on flex since last week and really going to love this technology let’s have a quick overview of Adobe Flex

Flex is a technological framework used for building Flash-based Rich Internet Applications (RIAs) compatible with major browsers, desktops and operational systems.

Flex and Flash, just like Ajax and JavaScript, are related technologies, with the former being a set of tools intended for developers rather than designers. Flex is primarily used for interactive and data-centred applications, yet in case there arises a necessity to maintain a content-based focus as well, with Adobe Flash 3 you can use the Flex Ajax Bridge to integrate the two technologies.

If you need web applications which would be most attractive for visitors, i.e. prospective clients, Flex development is certainly a good idea, with the broad range of features such as dynamic animations, sound, video, etc. available. Moreover, running Flex applications is unlikely to pose any difficulties: Adobe Flash player is being used by an overwhelming majority of net surfers. Those who by some chance don’t, are free to get it from Adobe.

When you going through Flex you really need to know Adobe AIR, The new Adobe AIR™ runtime let you use Flex technology to build and deploy to the desktop. AIR applications run across operating systems and are easily delivered using a single installer file. With AIR, you can use existing skills, tools, and code to build highly engaging, visually rich applications that combine the power of local resources and data with the reach of the web.

Now think about this, you’re web developer and develop websites using PHP & MySQL but always wish to develop interactive + dynamic websites but really don’t know how to use flash and connect flashly websites with php server… with Flex can do all this and believe me it’s quite easy keep visiting will post some of Flex tutorials and relevant material soon

You have all seen them, or have been lucky enough to have learnt from them: a teacher in class 5, a manager in your previous company, a captain of your cricket team. How are these people different from us? What qualities do these people possess that make them successful at what they do; how is it that people follow these leaders?

In this article, we will look at some traits of a leader. After reading, reflect upon how many of these characteristics do you possess. It does not hurt to start developing leadership skills at any stage.

Integrity:

Leaders are honest people with high moral values. Rather than playing blame game, where they try to pinpoint a scapegoat when something goes wrong, they hold themselves responsible in front of their management. Their employees trust the leaders and go out of the way to win accolades from them. This allows a very positive energy to flow within organizations.

Thus leaders bring with themselves a strong current of positive energy that helps the company meet tight deadlines, elevate employee moral and allows the company to stay competitive.

Risk Takers:

Leaders are not afraid to make difficult decisions. They take calculated risks. Whereas, a mediocre manager would want to always play safe, avoiding difficult projects or delaying decision making, leaders are always ready to take challenges head-on.

You will hear them welcome difficult projects that are high-profile. They are always ready to prove to the world that they can do it.

Natural Problem Solvers:

Leaders are naturally good at solving all sorts of problems. They are good at looking at issues from different dimensions and therefore offering unique, yet simple solutions. Leaders understand their product. Their solutions keep in mind the end user of their solution.

Good Listeners:

Leaders are good at resolving issues because they are good listeners. Pay attention to the person speaking loudly and continuously in a meeting; he is probably not a leader. Leaders tend to sit back and soak-in the information before offering solutions. And when they do, they are not averse to listening to contrary points of views.

Consensus Builders:

Leaders never take people for granted. They always build a consensus in their team prior to undertaking any major project. This is not to say that they cannot make their own minds up and need a committee. On the contrary, from the bosses who simply tell their employees what to do, leaders will explain what needs to be done and answer any ensuing questions.

People Development:

A very important aspect of what leaders do is that they develop people under them. Leaders are not content in simply lobbing easy tasks that can be hit out of the park each time by their employees. Leaders challenge their employees with new ideas and new tasks so that it adds to the skillset of that person.

Leaders empower people under them to take difficult decisions, to go on meetings by themselves, to propose new and bold ideas. Leaders ensure that, at the end of the year, an employee has grown beyond what he knew 1 year ago.

Enthusiastic:

Leaders are passionate about their work. They infuse energy in whatever assignment they take on. They are committed people who believe in their work assignments.

Eyes on the Prize:

Leaders are always very goal oriented. As they go through the day, they never lose sight of the main objective of a project or a product. They always have a long-term strategy in mind that they do not compromise for short-term gains.

Good Teachers:

Leaders are good coaches. They are selfless in spending time teaching people who work for them or with them. This trait helps people working for such a person to develop themselves and enhance their skills. Leaders make time to explain ideas and thoughts to people. They make time to share knowledge that they have with those that want to acquire it. They do not hoard information. They are approachable by anyone.

—

Some people are born with these leadership traits, others acquire it over time. Try to learn from your mistakes, pay attention to those around you who emulate these leadership attributes and try to learn from them first hand. There is no better time to start than now.

Hi everyone must read following breaking news story, hopefully this’ll be interesting read

Academics criticised for offering a masters degree covering Twitter and other social networking websites are defending themselves against the media onslaught – where else, but on Twitter.

Students on the £4,000 one-year Social Media degree, offered by Birmingham City University, will explore how we communicate on the websites and how they can be used for marketing.

Other modules on the course will teach students how to start a blog and podcasting techniques. The course is being advertised through a video on the university’s website.

The course convenor, Jon Hickman, who is posting regularly today on his Twitter feed, responded to media coverage of the course, saying it was not for “IT geeks”.

“The tools learned on this course will be accessible to many people,” he said. “It will definitely appeal to students looking to go into professions including journalism and PR.”

Independent academics have approved the course’s quality and standards.

Hickman said: “The course does entail synoptic research and scholarly activity, which are the fundamental criteria for masters degrees. It’s very relevant and very scholarly. It’s a new course, but its importance is unquestionable.

“Social media is very important for jobs within the marketing and communications sector, as a skill set within other jobs, and as an industry within itself.”

But Jamie Waterman, 20, a Birmingham-based student, told the Telegraph it was “a complete waste of university resources”.

“It’s of no interest to me whatsoever. Virtually all of the content of this course is so basic it can be self-taught.”

Paul Bradshaw, another lecturer involved in setting up the MA, replied on Twitter that the student’s comment was “uninformed”.