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Social Network Launches "Instant Translation" for Developers

Posted on: Friday, 19 September 2008, 09:00 CDT

GHENT, Belgium, September 19 /PRNewswire/ -- - Netlog Introduces Unique Monetisation and Localisation Tools for OpenSocial Developers

Netlog, the European social networking site with over 35 million members, has opened its translation and localisation capabilities to third-party developers. The sites renowned translation system allows almost instant translation into 23 languages. Netlog also announced it will give developers access to its "credits economy", offering developers an alternative for advertising revenues.

Netlog joined the OpenSocial initiative just three months ago to allow developers to use a common set of programming interfaces on social sites across the web including Orkut, MySpace, Yahoo!, Hi5 and Friendster. OpenSocial makes it easier for developers to build social applications and for websites to add more social features quickly.

Netlog only accepts applications offering a clear added value - and refuses applications forcing the user to leave the site, install the application or invite friends. Applications can be branded, co-branded or sponsored. Developers receive 100% of the advertising revenues on the "canvas view" of the application.

"In order to reach all of the 35 million Netlog members, applications needs to be localized", explained Lorenz Bogaert, co-founder and CEO at Netlog. "Using our translation function, developers can reach their target audience almost instantly in their local language - something other social networks fail to understand."

"We're really excited to see Netlog open their translation tools to OpenSocial developers", said Eric Tholome, Product Manager at Google. "OpenSocial is all about helping the internet become better, more useful and more social - and having a translation tool for developers that bridges language differences is an important step in that direction."

Developers will also be granted access to Netlog's "credits economy". While Netlog expects most applications to be free, it gives developers the opportunity to monetise by charging credits, or to incentivise by giving them away.

About Netlog

Netlog is the leading social networking destination in Europe with over 35 million members throughout the continent. The site provides a fun environment where people communicate and connect with friends, like-minded people and local communities. The site is available in 23 languages and more than 30 countries. NETLOG NV is based in Ghent, Belgium and employs 50 people. The company is backed by renowned investors and entrepreneurs such as Index Ventures and Atomico, the investment fund of Skype-founders Niklas Zennstrom and Janus Friis.

For more information visit http://corporate.netlog.com/

Web: http://www.lewispr.com/

Netlog

CONTACT: For further press information or photography, please contact:Ilona de Bok at LEWIS, the PR agency: Tel: +31-(0)40-2354600, Fax:+31-(0)40-2354601, Email: ilonadb@lewispr.com

Source: PRNewswire

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