Mashups combine content or functionality from existing web services, websites and RSS feeds to serve a new purpose. For example, Housingmaps.com is a mashup of Google Maps and real-estate listings from Craigslist. Mashups with maps are particularly popular, as are mashups using RSS feeds (see “RSS and Atom” in Section 3.15) created by using services such as Yahoo! PipesTM—a tool that enables you to aggregate and manipulate many data sources.
Using APIs can save time and money (some great mashups have been built in an afternoon); however, the mashup is then reliant on one or more third parties. If the API provider experiences downtime, the mashup will be unavailable as well (unless the mashup is programmed to avoid sites that are down). Always check the “terms of service” for using each company’s web services. Many API providers charge usage fees based on the mashup’s number of calls made to the server. Some sites require you to ask permission before using their APIs for commercial purposes, and others (e.g., Google) require that mashups based on their web services be free. Also, while mashups add value to data, there is always the question of who owns the data, and thus who should profit from the mashup
Using APIs can save time and money (some great mashups have been built in an afternoon); however, the mashup is then reliant on one or more third parties. If the API provider experiences downtime, the mashup will be unavailable as well (unless the mashup is programmed to avoid sites that are down). Always check the “terms of service” for using each company’s web services. Many API providers charge usage fees based on the mashup’s number of calls made to the server. Some sites require you to ask permission before using their APIs for commercial purposes, and others (e.g., Google) require that mashups based on their web services be free. Also, while mashups add value to data, there is always the question of who owns the data, and thus who should profit from the mashup
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