Definition
Plaxo was an online address book and social networking service that provided automatic updating of contact information stored on its servers. Any changes made by a user to their contact details were automatically reflected in the address books of all their connections who also stored that information. This feature helped ensure that contact lists were always up-to-date without requiring manual updates.
Examples
- Business Networking: Users could maintain up-to-date contact information with business associates without having to send out new contact cards after job changes or relocations.
- Personal Use: Individuals could keep their friends’ and family members’ contact information current without needing to manually update every single entry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Happened to Plaxo?
Plaxo was popular in the early 2000s but faced several challenges including privacy concerns and competition from other social networking sites. It was eventually acquired by Comcast and later shut down in 2017.
How Did Plaxo Ensure the Security of User Data?
Plaxo implemented various security measures, including encryption and secure servers, but users were frequently concerned about the privacy of their information.
Can I Access My Old Plaxo Contacts?
Once Plaxo was shut down, users lost access to their stored contacts. Users were advised to export their data prior to the shutdown.
Are There Alternatives to Plaxo?
Yes, several modern alternatives provide similar contact management functionalities, including Google Contacts, Apple’s iCloud Contacts, and HubSpot.
Was Plaxo Free to Use?
Plaxo offered a free basic service but also had premium plans that provided additional features such as enhanced backup options and additional storage.
Related Terms
Online Address Book
An online address book is a digital tool where contact information is stored and managed. It allows users to store phone numbers, email addresses, and other relevant contact details in an easily accessible format.
Social Networking
Social networking involves using online platforms to connect with friends, family, colleagues, or professionals in a given field. Examples include Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
Contact Management
Contact management refers to the process of storing, organizing, and managing contact information. It often includes keeping track of names, phone numbers, addresses, and other crucial information.
Automatic Updates
Automatic updates refer to the ability of a system to modify information automatically based on changes from the source, ensuring consistency and accuracy without manual intervention.
Online Resources
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Digital Habits: How to Stay Connected While Staying Sane” by Raymond Gordon
- “Networking for People Who Hate Networking” by Devora Zack
- “The Digital Handshake: Seven Proven Strategies to Grow Your Business Using Social Media” by Paul Chaney
- “Networked: The New Social Operating System” by Lee Rainie and Barry Wellman
- “Contagious: How to Build Word of Mouth in the Digital Age” by Jonah Berger
Fundamentals of Online Address Books and Social Networking: Communications Basics Quiz
Thank you for participating in these explorative insights and quiz on Plaxo. This knowledge is a stepping-stone to mastering contact management and social networking tools in the digital realm!
