MySpace is considering adopting the OpenSocial platform but has concerns about how it may impact their competitive advantage, users, security, network management, and profits. Adopting OpenSocial could remove MySpace's individuality and customizability while giving them less control over content and potentially enabling data phishing. However, it may also make it easier to extract payments from users and reduce costs without intermediaries, though perfection in platform design is not guaranteed. Overall MySpace must weigh these factors versus maintaining their current platform and demographic.
2. Competitive Advantage Differentiate from other social networks Google Search and AdSense Increase barriers of entry Use of OpenSocial would conflict with MySpace’s current demographic clientele.
3. Effect on Users Generic programming removes MySpace’s individuality. Unique Apps give MySpace users a sense of unity Loss of customizability with Google Functions
4. Security Ability to enforce fines and imprisonment to malicious users Hire personnel to filter uploaded images from users each day Add “report abuse” feature
5. Network Management Under OpenSocial: MySpace has little control of content May potentially provide opportunity for data phishing Personal info invasion
6. Money Talk Costs Associated Although costly, more benefits yielded Not guaranteed perfection in the look of the platform Profitability Easier to extract payments (ex. Music, movie clips, games) No intermediaries in collection of payments
