Opera browser (now server) could also unleash Web 3.0

By Marcus Cake • June 21, 2009

Pre-requisite reading: Google Wave may unleash Web 3.0 and achieve 90% penetration in three years ; Web 1.0, Web 2.0, Web 3.0 and Web 4.0 explained

This is a follow-up note to Google Wave may unleash Web 3.0 and achieve 90% penetration in three years that identifies another technology that could also unleash Web 3.0.

A few days ago, the open source browser project Opera released the version 10 of its web browser. This version, called Opera Unite, introduces a major new function that will probably be incorporated into all browsers.

The browser becomes a server
Google Wave provides a single browser based platform to communicate (Web 1.0), interact (Web 2.0), collaborate (Web 3.0) and transact. Opera Unite extends the browser that reads web pages from the internet, with a web server that publishes information to the web. In short, it facilitates direct peer to peer (or browser to browser) communication between browsers in real-time.

Opera Unite displaces the need to give any information to an intermediary (ie; another web server) before communication is ultimately delivered to the final recipient. Its singular failing is that both browsers must be running at the same time before the information can be exchanged.

Single sign-on?
An opera username is required to tell each Opera web browser where to find the other. I expect that all browsers will ultimately have this functionality. Ultimately, a single sign-on system will be needed to allow all users to communicate seamlessly. Perhaps, OpenID could be the common sign-on system, or the browser companies could collaborate on a single sign-on.

Any third party can develop applications for Opera Unite
Third parties can develop applications for Opera Unite. At the time of the announcement, 4-5 applications were available. This included file sharing.

Google Wave vs. Opera Unite
Google Wave and Opera Unite facilitate peer to peer in Web 3.0. They do it in different ways. Google Wave appears to have a a superior value proposition, but ultimately it will depend on how, and how many, third party applications are integrated into each platform.

Additional information on Opera Unite is available at http://unite.opera.com .