The word’s out and the Web’s buzzing - as the countdown continues to the launch of Google’s OpenSocial, details about the platform and partnership with MySpace – the world’s largest social network have been flooding the Web. According to the joint press release issued by MySpace and Google:

“Our partnership with Google allows developers to gain massive distribution without unnecessary specialized development for every platform,” said Chris DeWolfe, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of MySpace. “This is about helping the start-up spend more time building a great product rather than rebuilding it for every social network. We’re pleased to collaborate with Google to establish a landmark standard for social applications.”

OpenSocial is a set of three common APIs that allow developers to access core functions and information in social networking sites:

• Profile Information
• Friend Information
• Activities

Developers will have access to the three JavaScript and Gdata APIs to access social functions, as well as a live developer sandbox on Orkut (http://sandbox.orkut.com). Additionally, Web sites will have access to a tool that will allow them to OpenSocial-enable their sites. The Orkut sandbox is already live, so that developers can start testing the OpenSocial APIs.

Unlike Facebook, OpenSocial does not have its own markup language, allowing developers to only slightly modify their existing code for apps. Additionally, OpenSocial apps can have full functionality on profile pages, whereas Facebook limits functionality to the canvas page.

“We’re all citizens of a larger Web—no network is an island onto itself,” said Aber Whitcomb, CTO of MySpace. “We look forward to continuing to develop great technology with Google and all of the OpenSocial participants. It’s exciting that social networks are getting social with each other.”

In addition to MySpace, the OpenSocial community includes Engage.com, Friendster, hi5, Hyves, imeem, LinkedIn, Ning, Oracle, orkut, Plaxo, Salesforce.com, Six Apart, Tianji, Viadeo, and XING.

Starting tonight, developers can start writing applications for OpenSocial at which the MySpace Platform will support at launch.