Dapper: content sharing for dummies

Need a Web application, but don't have a bevy of developers on your payroll? No problem, you have options.

Dapper.net is a place to build Web apps or mashups using content from any site. Before building, first check to see if there are any search for "Dapps" out there already doing what you want (for example, converting Webware content into a Netvibes module). There are 10,000 Dapps in existence so far, according to Dapper CEO Eran Shir. But, if a search comes back negative, you can create your own Dapp. Just tell Dapper which Web site you want content from, and in which format you want it (XML, RSS, Google map, iCal, etc.).

But Dapper also works for content owners, and wants to be "the eBay for Web content." Owners can set the license for their site's content before it is shared, such as how, at what time and for how much. Dapper is free for consumers, but larger businesses will be charged a premium.

See also: Longjump.