iSight - Web 2.0

A New Web of Opportunity
Since iSIGHT first appeared three years ago, we have used these pages to air our thoughts and ideas on a variety of leading edge technology trends, and on the activities and progress of our portfolio companies in those different markets. It always makes fascinating reading, because the technology sectors and the companies 3i invests in are always great sources of innovation and catalysts for dramatic change in other business sectors. I believe this issue of iSIGHT is the most interesting yet, since it is focused on the next generation world wide web – Web 2.0

In barely a decade, Web 1.0 has already reinvented centuries old businesses, inspired the creation of numerous new ones, and penetrated into our homes to become an integral part of both our private and our working lives. Yet, the World Wide Web is still in its infancy, and is already being transformed by a new generation of entrepreneurs with new technologies and fresh ideas.

In this issue, we have focussed on just a handful of the areas where we believe second generation Web technologies will have a major impact, and where 3i portfolio companies are making a significant contribution to realising them. In the area of online trading for instance, we see how software infrastructure providers such as OmPrompt are helping to create a future built around the real-time creation and execution of new business deals. In the more rarefied area of Internet gaming, we look at how companies like Finland’s Sulake are creating real revenues from virtual, fantasy worlds, and in our feature Consumer 2.0, we look at the rising power of the electronic consumer and what businesses must do to succeed in e-consumer markets.

As ever, there is much more that could have been written about and discussed but for the constraints of the printed page. However, to hear more about the world of Web 2.0 we hope you will join us, at next month’s www2006 Conference in Edinburgh.

Jo Taylor, head of venture, 3i

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