Google works on its social side

Google has announced a way for programmers to build social applications for multiple websites at once.

Google's version of the 'write once, run anywhere' concept is called OpenSocial, a set of common APIs (application programming interfaces) that will enable developers to create applications for social networks, blogs and any sites that accept the OpenSocial code.

Currently, developers have to write new programs for each website, even if the functionality is the same on each site.

Google said this initiative is the first time multiple social networks have been made accessible under a common API.

This announcement shows how Google is possibly attempting to keep up with Facebook in openness. Facebook opened up its platform to developers in June and the site was flooded with apps.

Facebook, which recently chose Microsoft over Google for an exclusive ad and investment deal, is not one of the OpenSocial-enabled sites.

Google's social network, Orkut, is among the sites that will accept apps written using OpenSocial APIs.

Elinor Mills writes for CNET News.com