An Update on Ning Apps

[Ernie H.]

Hi everyone!

As you may have heard, beta testing for Ning Apps are currently underway for a select group of social networks.

Ning Apps is similar to Profile Apps in that they both use OpenSocial APIs to get data about members of a social network, but Ning Apps contain additional views to show functionality at the main page of a social network, along with additional canvas and profile page views. As Ning is unique to other social network containers, there are also some Ning-specific methods and objects specifically geared towards your social network. (And we'll be adding more of these methods and objects as Ning Apps are further defined.)

To create a development sandbox, use the following URL:
http://www.ning.com/main/createyourown?source=networkapplications

The sole purpose of the sandbox is to test your Ning Apps XML file, not to use this as a permanent social network, and content on these social networks can and will change without notice. Also, do not review any Ning Apps through development sandboxes; the Ning Apps Directory on sandboxes are tied directly into the directory on social networks, so any reviews made through sandboxes will also show up there.

That said, developers can begin reading the Ning Apps documentation, and we plan on adding more examples and tutorials to help developers add additional functionality for social networks everywhere. Stay tuned!

- Ernie

[Ernie H.]

Hi Stephen, as it stands right now, only Network Creators will have the ability to add applications, but this may be something we might be looking at more closely in the future.

[Ernie H.]

Hi Slacker - as we're still making sure that Ning Apps is a good experience for everyone, we're currently setting a date to move out of private beta some time in June. Thanks!

[Slacker]

Hi Ernie, do you know when NIng Apps will be available to all networks? Thank you.

[Ernie H.]

Hi Joel - I'm actually not in charge of the beta, which is literally a dozen or two social networks that work closely with Community Managers and Developers at Ning to check for bugs and user flow issues. If you feel you qualify, go ahead and drop a message to the Help Center at http://help.ning.com. Thanks!

[Joel]

Ernie - How can an NC be part of the beta? My network has 3600+ people on it and I've been hoping for some of the announced functionality to test for...God it seems like forever!