FAQ

A: Gigya Socialize is a technology that aggregates authentication and social APIs from Facebook Connect, MySpace ID, Twitter, Google, Yahoo!, and AOL into a single API, giving site publishers the ability to:

1. Authenticate users via Facebook, MySpace, Twitter or other OpenID providers to increase site registrations.
2. Post status updates, newsfeed items and notifications to the user’s social network.
3. Customize and personalize the site user experience by incorporating user profile and friend data.
4. Minimize investment in implementation and management resources.

A:

Single API integration eliminates the need for multiple implementations, reducing investment in time and resources. Check out our Developer’s Wiki to read more.

Integration of new APIs as they open up so partners can choose to add any new network with the click of a button.

Management of API updates: in real time by dedicated Gigya engineers, enabling sites to implement more functionality without requiring ongoing technical support or resources.

Off-the-shelf integration components and apps.

Plug-ins to portals, blogs and directory sites:
Gigya offers Drupal, WordPress and bbPress plug-ins to make it easier for sites to use Gigya Socialize without having to work directly with the raw API. Plug-ins are fully customizable, easy to use and require no technical expertise to integrate. This allows save partners on these platforms time, but still provides them with the flexibility of using Gigya Socialize.

Full-service and onsite support:
Gigya provides support to publishers who have unique issues or questions about how to integrate the product. Additionally, Gigya offers a fee-based enterprise support program that can provide onsite resources for organizations that want a Gigya engineer for dedicated integration or other support.

A: Implementation is fast and straightforward. Gigya offers four options for incorporating the functionality:

1. Raw API: Partners have direct access to the Gigya Socialize API, which includes a list of methods that a site developer can incorporate into relevant pages to launch each function. The raw API is a Javascript Client API. Enterprise customers can also use the REST API, which allows server-to-server access to Gigya Socialize
2. Off-the-shelf components and apps: To help sites quickly take advantage of the existing social APIs, Gigya Socialize has off-the-shelf components and apps:
   1. Login: allows users to login to a publisher site using their social network credentials
   2. Connect: allows users to connect to a Facebook, MySpace or Twitter using their social network credentials
   3. Friend Selector: allows users to invite their friends to join them on the site
   4. Live Events: allows users to update their status and engage other users in real time
   5. Update That: allows users to update their status through a widget while on a 3rd party site
3. Plug-ins: To facilitate the integration with external content management systems, portals, blogs, or directly sites Gigya has created plug-ins for Drupal, WordPress and bbPress.

A: The technology is available free of charge. In the future, Gigya will offer publishers the opportunity to generate incremental revenue on an opt-in basis. Partners that choose not to participate will continue to enjoy the service for free.

A: From national media companies to small businesses, hundreds of companies are using Gigya Socialize. Examples include: CBS, Complex Media, NBA.com, National Geographic, PGA.com, MGM, Simon & Schuster, and Turner Sports.

A: Gigya provides full-service support to publishers who have unique issues or questions about how to integrate the product. Gigya also manages updates to and incorporates new social APIs released by social networks and identity providers as they are made available. This level of support enables sites to focus on implementing functionality without requiring ongoing technical support or resources. Additionally, Gigya offers a fee-based enterprise support program that can provide onsite resources for organizations that want a Gigya engineer to address specific issues in person.

A: Yes, Gigya’s Whitepaper: Applying Social Technologies offers several examples of how Gigya Socialize can be implemented.