WEB 2.0. Here are some of those key features.

• Websites that use the WWW as a platform to offer application driven websites
• Information is key, good content is a must
• Linking information within websites and the use of systems designed by an architecture of participation (systems designed for user contribution, such as open source projects)
• Lightweight application development that allows for service (web services) and content (RSS) syndication
• Perpetual Beta, applications are in constant state of Beta and upgraded continuously. A good example of this would be GMAIL Beta and Flikr Beta.
• Lightweight business models enabled by content and service syndication
• Tthe end of the software adoption cycle ("the perpetual beta")
• A rich, interactive, user-friendly interface based on AJAX or similar frameworks.

Some Innovations of Web 2.0

Web-based applications and desktops

Web 2.0 is the first step in revolutionizing Information Technology and how people use their desktops as well as the World Wide Web. The introduction of AJAX technology has enabled developers to create websites that mimic desktop applications. Google's acquisition of Writely in 2006, currently known as Google Docs and Spreadsheets is a prime example of the use of AJAX to create WEB 2.0 applications. The trend will continue into the future as more bandwidth is available to the providers and becomes more affordable to the end-users, in the end eliminating client side application on desktops as they will be run solely through web browsers.

Server-side software

Even though the core functionality associated with WEB 2.0 uses existing web server architecture it does rely more heavily on back-end software typically requiring more robust database and work flow support becoming more and more similar to an application server within an intranet.

Client-side software

Web 2.0 relies on client side software as well to reduce the load on the server and create a well balanced better experience for the end-user. Using AJAX is one of the most prominent characteristics of WEB 2.0. However this does lead to various troubles that must be overcome as the end-user can be using one of the many web browsers available today. Browser compatibility becomes a bigger issue than in the past.

XML and Syndication

One of the key elements that make up WEB 2.0 which is revolutionary is the syndication of content and even services. RSS (Really Simple Syndication), RDF and Atom are all XML based formats used by publishers to syndicate their content. Syndication is WEB 2.0 while linking to content pages is its predecessor. These web feeds allow third parties to display content published by an author. When this content in the original website is updated it will appear updated within all the third-party websites which display the web feed. In today's websites these feeds are designated by the user-friendly Feeds icon.

SOAP

Web services that make use of the SOAP protocol is also another technological revolution that is evident in WEB 2.0. Using SOAP technology some service providers can offer a web service to clients to improve the quality of their service. For instance FedEx offers a shipping rate calculator using SOAP to be integrated into client websites. This web services makes it possible for e-commerce website owners to offer the shopper real time accurate shipping rates directly using the FedEx web service.