Next generation internet messaging product Tangler has just announced embedding and integration functionality. Tangler is a tool for enabling real-time discussions anywhere on the web. It's part forum, part IM - a hybrid product that uses web services.
Tangler is still in beta - and has been for some time. In fact there's a Tangler forum for web 2.0 betas, where beta products can have discussions with their users. For example here's an (unofficial) Tangler group for Pownce, which Lachlan Hardy pointed to in his Pownce review. Other uses of Tangler so far include 'My Tangle' (using a forum as personal publishing) and using Tangler as a general discussion forum for any topic – e.g. general conversation, travel, gaming, social etiquette, sports. As of July 2007, Tangler claims to have over 1,000 forums, at 9.5 hours per month average usage (3 times Facebook, although of course the user base is much less).
]]> What's new today is that Tangler is enabling embedding and integration of their product into external web sites and services. This will enable topics to be shared across the web, which the company likens to YouTube videos. Tangler calls this "One conversation with many access points." Here's an example of Tangler embedded in a Typepad blog:
Right now this embedding service is an invite only beta, but check this page for the details. In some ways this is similar to the SezWho comments plug-in which we installed on R/WW recently, in that it's a distributed comments/discussions system where you can use your profile across multiple sites.
The theme of embedding web apps into other sites/services is obviously a hot one this year - with Facebook's explosion in popularity and widgets in general becoming a must-have addition to any startup's product range. This product by Tangler extends that theme and it'll be interesting to watch its uptake.
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