I have a new entry on my list of technologies that will impact the 2008 elections. Facebook Platform.

In a nutshell, Facebook is boldly opening things up, allowing outside developers (like us) to build third party applications right on top of Facebook. Essentially, Facebook is becoming a technology platform, a la Salesforce.

On a mundane level, this will allow developers to do things such as replace the Facebook Photos section with photos from, say, a Flickr account.

On a more substantitive level, Facebook Platform will allow political campaigns and advocacy groups to embed action tools (fundraising, team building, letters to the editor, etc.) and other stuff I can’t even fathom right into Facebook. Check out what Project Agape has done as an example.

Obviously, the devil is in the details. Who has access to this data? How difficult will Facebook’s markup language be to learn? Is it really as open as it sounds? But from where I’m sitting Facebook Platform looks like a game changer. Can’t wait to play.

Update: TechPresident has info on a Facebook application the Obama campaign has already developed.

About the Author
Todd Zeigler
Todd Zeigler serves as the Brick Factory’s chief strategist and oversees the operations of the firm. In his sixteen year career in digital, he has planned and implemented campaigns for clients including the Pickens Plan, International Youth Foundation, Panthera, Edison Electric Institute, and the American Chemistry Council. Todd develops ambitious online advocacy programs, manages crises, implements online marketing strategies, and develops custom applications and software. He is bad at golf though.