Greetings!
I am in the process of researching Web 2.0 companies for a series of Q1 2008 reports. As you know, I made some notable predictions for 2007. I still anticipate a big pop in the IPTV / HD media streaming over the Internet space. The writer's strike in Hollywood will benefit start-ups like Joost and Vuze. I am confident about the merits of this segment. Another legacy walled garden industry.
I am particularly interested in identifying innovative open applications and SaaS models. I predicted Zimbra with a 100% probability. The criteria I established for picking these companies seem to hold true. I am also interested in tagging a subset of Web 2.0 companies that are based on commercial business models, open source, AJAX, and other RIA technologies.
A number of Web 2.0 start-ups are well beyond incubation and should be candidates for exit. I have no doubt that Zimbra, MySQL, and now Google will pave the way for other commercial open models. Despite the market conditions, MySQL is a strong IPO or M&A candidate. If you are interested in getting a blog alert make sure to sign up using Google FeedBurner email or RSS feed.
In the meantime, you might be interested in the following Web 2.0 directories I found in the blogosphere. Most of these directories are simply link lists. For your convenience, I have created a Web 2.0 Sites sidebar on my blog.
WEB 2.0 DIRECTORIES
Makeuseof.com: The Other Lists ? 10 Other Web 2.0 Application Directories
Web 2.0 Directory from eConsultant: 1200+ Web 2.0 sites
From Istanbul to Sand Hill Road: Web 2.0 Companies
SEOmoz.org: Web 2.0 2007 Awards
Don't forget to sign up for my Favorite List of 2008 Start-ups to Watch. Who do you think is going to be the next hot start-up?
Kameran Ahari
