What is the technology that EXT (www.ext.com) created known as the MAP.
By virtue of its name, a map is a device used to guide or navigate. A MAP is a mission adaptive plan which works in the same manner as a traditional map. When someone is seeking to solve a complex problem, attain a specific goal or successfully complete a large project, there are many avenues and options for that person to take. This wide variety of options can lead to project delays, time consuming backtracking and the possibility of failure.
A Mission Adaptive Plan, or MAP, is an organized method of navigation to follow during the course of a particular project. The person or group utilizing the MAP is called the beneficiary and they are able to use the MAP to draw on the wisdom, experience and advise of those who have accomplished a similar personal goal or project. The MAP is intended to work with social networking sites already in place on the internet. The MAP for a project, which can range from party planning to fighting social injustices, is intended to put the beneficiary on a clear, easy to follow, logical path to their goal.
A MAP is originally created by users of a social network who complete a personal goal or project. The users create the MAP for beneficiaries to follow on their own quest to complete their goal. A MAP is broken down into components that allow the beneficiary to follow a logical sequence of events. These components include projects, sub-projects, tasks and assignments. Once the initial framework of the MAP is created by setting up the specific components, beneficiaries can customize each MAP to follow their set personal goal or project. Once the initial user creates a MAP it can published within their social network page for others to find and follow. Beneficiaries can then located MAPs specific to their project and follow or modify it for their own goals.
The unique combination of MAP elements allows information from other users to be connected to the initial MAP, adding their own informational content for all users to see. This type of synchronization and blending of information into one searchable social network site serves to turn simple networking into logical project and goal management. All MAPs are intended to be constantly changing, with new information from new sources being added and modified every day. The increasing availability of information leads to more user participation and ever evolving user generated content. The MAPs natural structure is a logical table of contents with points that navigate the user through the process of reaching their goal or completing their project. MAPs also serve as functional hard copy media, which can be printed and distributed to show others the benefits of using MAPs to reach their personal goals.
There are two modes of use seen by users of social networking sites, browser mode and search mode. Browser mode is used more for general shopping and entertainment. Browsers are generally targeted with advertisements based on their surfing history and website visits. Search mode is used when users are looking for specific information. These users generally know what they are looking for and do not want hundreds of advertisement webpages not related to their search. It has been proven by existing search engines that targeted ad placement generated revenue when it is directed at users in search mode and relates to products they are searching for. MAPs can be an excellent advertising engine by using placing MAPs over the existing structure of the social network. By its nature, a MAP becomes an information specific search engine, providing information specific to a user’s personal goal or project. By gearing advertising toward a specific topic on a related MAP, advertisers are more likely to get users to click through to their ads and buy their products.
All components of a MAP interact with other components and constantly contribute to the information residing in the architecture of the MAP. The basis of a MAP is a personal feat; this is the accomplishment or goal the MAP is related to. The beneficiary is the personal attempting to accomplish a goal related to the MAP. A contributor is a social network member who already has knowledge of the task at hand and provides information specific to the MAP. A task specific user group is a gathering of contributors who elaborate on the basic information contained within the MAP. A task is an action listed in the MAP which requires the beneficiary to make a decision, research information or make preparations for in the architecture of the MAP. The task list is one of the most important elements of the MAP as this is the logical series of steps the beneficiary needs to take in order to accomplish their goal. The body of knowledge is the heart of the MAP; this is the location for all the information related to the MAP. This body of knowledge is divided into sections related to the task list and allows the beneficiary to logical find information needed to accomplish their goal.
A Mission Adaptive Plan, MAP, can be structured to allow all users to follow a logical sequence of events in order to accomplish any task. From projects at work to handling personal tragedy, MAPs can be modified endlessly for any purpose. There is an endless supply of knowledge contained within the structure of social networking on the internet. MAPs can serve to organize this information into logical bodies of knowledge, allowing searchers to utilize the social network as an information search engine. MAPs not only benefit users of social networks, but can also benefit advertisers in directing their ads toward users specifically seeking their products or services.