Social networks are quickly morphing from destination to distributed networks around data, aka sites (the “shared” interests) and like-minded people. It’s not a user-driven innovation. The drivers of this (r)evolution are economic, and both Facebook and Google are upping the ante of the game, in the hope to be the ones who know you better, i.e. influence and make advertising money out of you.

If  Facebook has a clear advantage in terms of consumer adoption and existing social network functionalities, Google has the power of existing business relationships with millions of site owners through AdSense, and a sophisticated advertising platform that monetizes users’ intentions and behaviors. Its roadmap is therefore focused on piecing together existing or new social networks features. in order to make the world wide web its social network advertising net.

A chronology of the facts.

FACEBOOK

The Big Allies Phase

• In December of 08, after months in beta,  Facebook Connect launches to the public.  Big brands jump on board: from Hulu to Xbox Live to Nintendo DSi.


• After only