Netvibes is a customizable dashboard that lets the user monitor just about everything they need. The user can monitor third party applications, feeds, Tweets and more in one convenient place. Netvibes gives the user the ability to choose from more than 200,000 applications. The user can also build a custom layout and publish microsites easily. Mobile users can access Netvibes with an iPad or iPhone. The user can manage multiple dashboards and read articles when offline. Analytics show the user data trends while the built in tagging system makes it easier to locate specific categories of items. The user can search and curate content and collaborate with others. The user can control access and receive alerts. The user can also sort content into different views to further personalize the experience. Netvibes was laubched on September the 15th, 2005. The number of users grew very fast and the service was translated in many languages by enthusiasts. The standard Netvibes page includes an RSS/Atom feed reader, a calendar supporting iCal, local weather forecasts, bookmarks, notes, writely word processor, to-do lists, multiple search engines, support for POP3, IMAP4 email, several webmail providers including Gmail, Yahoo Mail, Hotmail, and AOL Mail, Flickr photos, Box.net online storage, del.icio.us, Meebo, podcast support with a built in audio player, and several others. Other features can be added through the use of modules. Netvibes was founded in September of 2005 by Florent Fremont and Tariq Krim. The application has received a number of high marks from many users. The interface is easy to learn and includes a simple drag and drop system that helps eliminate confusion. The user can easily access and edit the content on their dashboards without spending a great deal of time learning the application. Netvibes also works with thousands of apps and provides the user with tabs that can be sorted by interest or topic. Netvibes has a trendy fee to it that gives it a pleasing visual style and modern appeal. The user is greeted by a dark background and hints of vibrant green. The interface is very easy to master, with large icons that can be dragged and dropped wherever the user wants them. For the most part, Netvibes gives the user a visually stimulating experience that manages to avoid becoming a burden. There is a lot of content to digest if the user includes many apps on their dashboards however this is generally kept well-organized thanks to the stylish interface. New users can try Netvibes by clicking the green “Get Started” button in the upper, left hand corner of the homepage. The next page asks the user to select their preferred subscription. After doing so, the user is taken to the registration form which asks for a username, email address and password. The user must also check the terms of service box at the bottom of the form before continuing. The second step asks for the user’s billing information. The user must still provide this information when signing up for a free trial. Netvibes users are given three subscription plans to choose from. The first is a free plan which includes access to the dashboard. The Premium for One plan costs $499 per month and includes a 14 day free trial, one to one training, VIP support, analytics, tagging, curation features, alerts, sentiments and search capability. A Premium for Teams subscription is available that includes collaboration tools, dedicated instances and access control options. Users interested in a Premium for Teams subscription must contact Netvibes to discuss a quote. Netvibes is a handy application for serious professionals and small businesses. The free account is a nice addition for small businesses and individuals however the advanced features require a paid subscription which is pricy. A small business or startup may not be ready or capable of forking out hundreds of dollars for one application. The service offered is valuable and can help the user learn more about content trends and topics related to their product or service.

• Build multiple dashboards
• Over 200,000 applications are available to add to dashboards
• Real time monitoring keeps the content up to date
• Tagging helps the user sort and retrieve content
• Mobile access is available for iPhone and iPad users
• Users can follow Tweets about a specific topic or product
• Microsites can be created and published with a few clicks

http://www.netvibes.com/