Data is the next "Intel Inside"

To the majority of the population, we use the internet for most things on a daily basis. We use it to shop, do research and catch up with friends.
So for anyone who falls into this category, we trust and believe that all the data supplied to us over the internet is current and correct.

For us, this data means everything, but it means a lot more for business’ who want to use this data strategically for a successful business opportunity. The strategic use of data has brought the term the next “Intel Inside”.

One successful Web 2.0 application that uses data in such a way is realestate.com.au. This website uses the data supplied by other Real Estate companies to provide a vast data base that supplies customers with information on rental or private properties across Australia.

This website allows any real estate branch in Australia to upload any property information that they may have in store to increase the amount of customers they can reach. This makes property shopping much easier for the customers as they are no longer required to drive from shop to shop, rather can see any property for sale in the area and what real estate company is managing that particular property.

Customers are able to search for property based on desired price, bedrooms and area within Australia.

Another Web 2.0 application that uses data in a similar way is the local business section of Yellow Pages. Businesses are able to supply their own information, including contact details and their address. This allows potential customers to easily find and locate their store via telephone or by using the maps supplied on the web site.

Possible ethical issues that arise from shopping for real estate online could be failure to remove a property from the online database once it has been sold or leased. Another ethical issue is through the communication between customer and real estate manager as I have personally had booked appointments where the realtor does not show.

Realestate.com.au will continue to provide home owners and renters will a large and very useful database on properties across Australia. The inclusion of Google maps and images of the houses has supplied a very easy to use and inviting web 2.0 application.

References:
http://www.yellowpages.com.au/
http://www.realestate.com.au/buy
http://maps.google.com.au/
http://oreilly.com/web2/archive/what-is-web-20.html