The way I see it, micro-apps are the future of the web application. These tiny apps only do one thing in particular - but they do it well. As opposed to more robust applications, micro-apps focus on a single task and target that problem with a specialized solution.
Many new companies looking to compete in a given space choose to first copy basic competitor features to level the playing field. Only at this point do they integrate their own functionality and incorporate what they think the consumer will want. This tactic isn’t rare by any means, but it may bring about feature creep and maybe even an inferior overall offering.
Everyone seems to want a piece of the Internet. Everyone has a friend’s cousin’s neighbour who started an Internet company in their basement and now flies around the world in a private jet. The appeal is obvious. However, making it to that point is another story altogether.
The Craigslist site is as simple as it gets. Literally, it can’t get any simpler. Strategically-placed links form the underlying interface. Having said that, it is by far the most dominant classified ad site on the net. With such a simple offering and total domination, how is anyone supposed to compete?
Aidan Henry is an Internet strategy consultant, designer, and web entrepreneur.
aidanhenry (@) hotmail.com
