WidgetLaboratory
edit

WidgetLaboratory produces tools and applications for Ning social networks.

All of the Tools from WidgetLaboratory operate individually or in conjunction with one another to allow for capabilities that rival traditional CMS products such as Drupal, but with the drag and drop simplicity that has made Ning so popuplar with non-developers. Using Medianow, the flagship product of WidgetLaboratory, a site owner can integrate a variety of content into a Ning site, both from within that site itself, from a third-party content or widget provider, or even from another website hosted by that person outside of the Ning platform.

WidgetLaboratory has a three part monetization structure. First, the company’s product line ranges from free to as much as $139.99 per site license. Since all products can be purchased individually, many site owners start with the free tools and then continue to add more tools until they have purchased the entire Suite. Second, WidgetLaboratory has an ad-based revenue model in place for site owners. Several tools offer a site owner the ability to host and generate revenue from advertising within the products themselves. WidgetLaboratory provides site metrics and membership tracking for these features. Third, WidgetLaboratory has a built-in distribution model for third-party applications, with an upcoming API. This will allow for immediate access to WidgetLaboratory’s client base for the sale or distribution of third-party software and add-ons in the future.

WidgetLaboratory is privately funded and has offices in the Bay Area, Chicago, and Eastern Europe.

Milestones
edit

7/16/08 — Released "Video Roll" Animated Video Menu Display for Ning Networks
7/15/08 — Released "Lab Slide" Automated Slideshow production for Ning Networks
7/11/08 — Released "Smile..." Emoticons for Ning Networks
7/10/08 — Released "Lab Cards" automated multimedia Flash Cards for Ning Networks
7/2/08 — Released "Easy Installation" of WidgetLaboratory Admin Dashboard for Ning Networks
7/1/08 — Released "Last Seen" Member Visit Indicator for Ning Networks
6/21/08 — Released Who-Im. The First Instant Messenger for Ning Networks