Facebook has recently announced to join the Open Source Initiative to score a big victory for the host. It was MySpace that recently announced to break its ‘so-called’ tradition and “bringing down the garden walls”, by allowing its user information to be shared by others. It also promised to adopt open Application Programming Interface (API) and authentication interfaces. Of course, Facebook has limited versions of such measures in account. Now its time for Facebook to take the turn and keep up with its competitor, MySpace by open sourcing its application code.

According to a report, within a few days Facebook is planning to release all the source codes for its entire application platform. However, officials from Facebook declined to comment.

The Application Platform from Facebook just completed one year in functioning. The reason why Facebook became immensely popular is because of its strong user support for all its creative applications. However, OpenSocial, another social platform is also greatly supported. OpenSocial was created by Google as a non-profit open source standard that any social network member can use.  MySpace, Bebo, and others are all aboard the same boat.

Facebook applications can now also work with Bebo opening its platform after MySpace cut the deal. However, with this move, it has now fallen behind MySpace in terms of compatibility. One more major set-back for Facebook was in terms of its reputation when it banned a user temporarily who exported his friends list for use with other networks.

Earlier this month Facebook had announced “Facebook Connect” an open effort which sought to make it easier for user to connect their accounts with other sites. The announcement came within days of MySpace’s and Google’s announcement of its new “Friend Connect” service. 

While Facebook prepares to take another leap towards openness, many doubt whether the site will truly open source its code completely or perhaps it more “expandable” through new partnerships and developments. Facebook is one of the world’s hottest web properties and is in a position of leadership of sorts, so everyone waits for what new is to come!