In its first day, Google’s OpenSocial already has third party developers announcing plans for applications to be created on the new platform. Using a combine and conquer approach, OpenSocial’s simplicity and multiple network compatibility has sent shock waves throughout the Web community. So how does it work?

First – in addition to Google’s partnership with MySpace, OpenSocial has solicited a number of participating social networks who will host OpenSocial APIs: Friendster, Slide.com, Flixster, iLike, Oracle, Viadeo, Hi5, Plaxo, Orkut, Ning, LinkedIn and Salesforce.com to start.

The ability for developers to work with a standard tools, includingHTML, JavaScript and XML, as well as the ability to embed Flash elements to create applications compatible with multiple networks will make it a serious competitor for Facebook’s custom programming language.

Another OpenSocial appeal - because OpenSocial is built upon Google Gadget technology, develops have the ability to create top-end, viral social apps with little to no serving costs. Through the Google Gadget Editor and a simple key/value API, complete social apps can be built with no server at all.

Code is released under Apache 2.0 license and all OpenSocial docs are Creative Common.

To learn more or get started with development, go to http://code.google.com/apis/opensocial/.

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.