We have been discussing different methods on how to offer the ability to use MachineTools.com off-site. Optimally we envision granting the ability for other sites to use our services/data as easy as implementing a banner or link.
A common method for doing this is to use widgets. Widgets are quite simply “web gadgets” hence “widgets”. Commonly, a ‘parent’ site will offer widgets that allow a user to embed a search or other mechanism on their site or blog. Typically the widget calls to the parent site and interfaces its data/services.
Doing this benefits both parties – the ‘parent’ gets more exposure and the ‘children’ other get a nice gadget offering a direct link to powerful services w/ little installation hassle. In most cases, installing a widget onto a blog or web page is as easy as copy/pasting a banner or image into your web page or blog.
Currently, we’re experimenting with low impact areas on our site to offer initial prototypes. As we get closer to a usable beta widget, chances are we’ll post here for you to use/experiment with.
Tags: machines, syndication, widgets
