Review<Web>: Webware, the ‘Techcrunch’ wannabe ?

Introduction

To most geeks ,     and     may be the only tech blogs they ever need to keep up-to-date on the web 2.0 industry. However, they are not the only game in town. For one, these two popular tech blogs primarily focus on the editor’s view and opinion of web 2.0 startup or tech news, and tend to attract commenters or even the startup founder to join in the discussion which make them all the more engaging and popular. Though some of their posts are deemed ‘provocative’ enough to create dissident and unhappiness with some startup’s founder. Having to conjure a startup as ‘deadpool’ will sure to create some conflict with the editor and the founder that usually perceived as bad PR by many. Techcrunch’s recent case of PodTech Heading Towards The Deadpool? and Time To DeadPool TailRank? You Decide are the good examples of their ‘unique and confrontational’ reporting style.

Introducing Webware

So where do this leave Webware, the tech blog from CNET ? Given CNET’s knowledge, business network and connection with the industry players, Webware, which dim itself as as the site for COOL WEB 2.0 APPS FOR EVERYONE,  tend to provide more of a direct, neutral and objective reporting style which does not promote ‘backslash’ and ‘argument’ from the commentators. That’s also probably why I find lack of comment from the site rather than by lack of popularity. The lack of comment might also attribute to the fact that commentator need to register before giving a comment unlike Techcrunch and ReadWriteWeb. However, it also provides more coverage on web industry event and conference.

WebWare’s design look ‘duller’ than rival sites

I also find Webware provide more industry quotes, perhaps to make the news more convincing and less biased.

For example, Webware on Opera links mobile devices to Web bookmarks provides the following quotes from Opera’s CEO:

“Things are moving in our direction,” von Tetzchner said. “The Web is changing, and it’s moving in our direction as people are using it on more and more devices, and people are looking at alternatives on the desktop.” Application development on both PCs and mobile devices is increasingly shifting toward Web-based applications that can run on any device through the browser, and although that’s still a pretty fragmented notion in the smartphone world, it’s an interesting time for a company like Opera.

This is contrast to the similar news from Techcrunch’s Synchronize Your Browsing Habits with Opera Link .

Judging from the quality and quantity of their post which now accumulate to more than 2300 entries, Webware definitely offer its own share of exclusive news that lacking in its rivals.

In addition, Webware hold its own against the competitors by having well-organized access to website link group by category.

Under the <Webware 100> menu, Webware consolidate the most popular sites under distinctive category.

Even better, there is categories panel located on right side of screen which allow one to quickly access all the tech news that belong to the desired category.

Apart from these, Webware also offer more ways to subscribe its feed. These includes RSSFeed, email, Google, Bloglines, MSN, Yahoo, Newsgator.

Conclusion

From the look, one could easily dismiss Webware as just another Techcrunch’s clone. But on closer look, it is definitely distinctive from its competitors due to different style of reporting which target a more meticulous and industry-focus source of audience. In addition, it’s well organized access to tech news is also something that its rival could not match.

Given that Webware is the lesser-known of the popular tech blogs, I don’t think it deserves the reputations of being a second-tier alternative consider the quality work done by the dedicated Webware editors. Knowledge-wise, The reader will definitely get as much value from reading Webware as other tech blogs.

Which to say, for those audience that want a all-round knowledge of the web industry, it’s best to supplement their favourite tech blogs with Webware.

Review: Webware
Type: Tech Blog
URL: www.webware.com