The web is a buzz once again with acronyms (Web 2.0, AJAX, tagging) and concepts. Again, it looks like a field day for anybody with a 'new' idea and business plan. Concepts are fighting to achieve a critical mass in terms of 'eye balls' and users.
However, there is something fundamentally different this time around (or so it seems). They seem to actually add value (ya right - thats what they said last time). Some common attributes of their products are:
Most new offerings are centered around recognition (individual or a group) and expression. Usually it is based on 'my list of things' or 'people I know' or 'I belong to'. The products/services comprises of a basic component that is 'free' and a paid one for the 'power user' that offers more advanced features.
They are also good at working well with each other and to a lot extent compliment and extend each others functionality.
Another good thing about today's start ups is the buy in they have from the big players like Goggle (no they are not competing with windows), Microsoft and Yahoo.
Start ups worth mentioning (if you are not already aware) are
Plum,
Prosper,
MySpace,
JaJah and
Sharpcast to name a few.
