What is RSS?

Really Simple Syndication (RSS) is a lightweight XML format designed for sharing headlines and other Web content. Think of it as a distributable "What’s New" for your site. RSS originated in 1997 and has evolved into a popular means of sharing content between sites (including the BBC, CNET, CNN, Disney, Forbes, Motley Fool, Wired, Red Herring, Salon, Slashdot, ZDNet, and more).

RSS solves myriad problems webmasters commonly face, such as increasing traffic, and gathering and distributing news. RSS can also be the basis for additional content distribution services.

From a consumer angle, RSS allows you to see when sites from all over the internet have added new content. You can get the latest headlines and articles (or even audio files, photographs or video) in one place, as soon as they are published, without having to remember to visit each site every day.

It takes the hassle out of staying up-to-date, by showing you the very latest information that you are interested in.

At present, RSS and Atom are the two most popular feed formats. Most feed readers support both of these.

What can RSS do for you?

RSS feeds present and share information that changes over time. So if your business has information that information-consumers may be interested in, then RSS feeds may be of value.

Another interesting use of RSS feeds is internal to companies and enterprises. Even companies with fewer than 100 employees may find that RSS feeds on the company intranet provides an effective way to share information that changes daily. Instead of emailing this information, employees just view the information through their intranet RSS reader.

RSS feeds can be used by businesses to capture status reports, changing events over time, B2B communication regarding joint projects, and many other business uses. RSS feeds provide a standard format for capturing and sharing changing information and are accessible via the web both outside and within business firewalls.

Score Communications work with clients to understand, implement and harness the power of RSS Feeds. Contact us if you would like more information.