Open Source/Free Social Networking SDK

Question

I am currently gathering some technology requirements for a site that will be a social network based.

I don't want to re-invent the wheel so i am looking for some type of SDK or collection of tools that can provide me with a way of creating/managing a social network. I understand that no framework will probably fit my exact needs so I am also looking for a flexible/extensible framework.

An example extension point would be allowing the user to provide sub networks, maybe a global network that could be sub classified as work and friends.

Beyond that it would also be nice to somehow be able to import contacts from other networking sites (Facebook, Linked In, etc).

My current technology suite will more than likely consist of the following:

IIS 7.0

WCF Data Services

SQL Server 2005/2008 ASP.NET front end.

So my two questions are

1) C# Open Source Social Network SDK

2) C# Open Source Social Network APIs (facebook, linked in, etc)

If there is any more information you may need please let me know.

Answer 1

Here's the project page for the port of Shindig to .Net:

http://code.google.com/p/pesta/

Answer 2

Not an answer to your question, but these links might be useful for integration options

Facebook .NET SDK
Linq2Twitter
Tweetsharp (I prefer l2t)
LinkedIn Api Home

Lastly, instead of rolling your own, have you considered Ning?

Answer 3

Your only real choices are Community Server Express (free) and Telligent Community ($$$).

You sure you don't want to consider something PHP? (won best social networking platform for several years running)

Answer 4

Not sure that there is open source implementation that applies for all your needs.

Some suggestions:

• Telligent Graffiti CMS and Community Server in general
• FrienDev (no English localization)
• DotNetNuke Community Edition
• Community Kit for SharePoint
• Elgg (PHP-based)

Answer 5

I think you will be quite happy by reading ASP.NET 3.5 Social Networking by Andrew Siemer.

https://www.packtpub.com/expert-guide-for-social-networking-with-asp-.net-3.5/book

This book covers the construction of a social network in the problem, design, solution manner. Andrew Siemer wrote a very informative book and he provides very detailed examples in his book. This particular book uses the MVP (Model View Presenter) design pattern and I know that Andrew is currently working on another book that leverages the MVC (Model View Controller) design pattern.

" What you will learn from this book :

• Make key decisions about architecture and the tools to use
• Build a solid 'community framework' to give your site a strong foundation; the principles explored this framework will apply to any large-scale web application
• Create user accounts, set up a permissions system, and handle password encryption
• Work with user profiles, and establish 'friend' relationships between different users
• Let users customize their profile and communicate with one another
• Understand core concepts of LINQ to SQL and work with it in a layered environment
• Moderate the site, ensuring safety, dealing with cross-site scripting (XSS), privacy, and decency
• Utilize the Model View Presenter pattern with ASP.NET 3.5 to enable Test Driven Development
• Add an internal search engine using SQL Server and Lucene.NET
• Work with appropriate design patters to create a scalable long-lasting enterprise framework "

I'm confident that you'll be able to build a enterprise-grade site with the help of this book. Best of luck to you on your social network venture!