Web 2.0 and open source go hand in hand. The LAMP platform, Linux, Apache, MySQL and PHP, is one of the most robust and commonly used platforms for the web. Our focus is on the software that creates the experience. Here are some of the most common and best applications powering the next generation of web applications.

Blogging:

• WordPress - the foundation of this blog and nearly all other blogs in the free world. The community behind WordPress, the constant development and additions make it a living breathing component of web 2.0. WordPress is more than a blogging platform, it combines content management, and social networking into a single application.

Social Networking:

• Pligg - social content management system a la Digg allowing users to submit articles/stories and vote for their favorites
• Elgg - a social networking platform that allows people to easily connect and share resources. Geared toward education.

Content Management Systems:

• Joomla! - award-winning Content Management System (CMS) that will help you build websites and other powerful online applications
• Drupal - easily publish, manage and organize a wide variety of content on a website

Ecommerce:

• Zen Cart - a free, user-friendly, open source shopping cart system, an offshoot of osCommerce