With the initial release of App Notifications just around the corner I wanted to clarify some features and best practices for implementing app to user communications.

The first piece of App Notifications we’ll be releasing will allow you to send notifications directly from the OpenSocial 0.8 container.  This is the ideal method for sending “action prompting” messages to the user from the app, such as “Your Turn” indicators.  Sending notifications from the container will ultimately be limited to ten (10) recipients and they must be friends of the User.

The next component (which will be released shortly after the container functionality) will allow developers to send notifications directly from a REST end point.  Using the REST end point, developers can send notifications to any of their app users, making it ideal for digest or informational type messages. You’ll be limited to passing a maximum of one thousand (1000) recipients per call to this end point and it will be throttled (for obvious infrastructure reasons).

As part of our commitment to the MySpace App user experience, we’ll be making some specific updates to the Terms of Use. In addition to the standard rules of content for app communications (no advertising, no incentivizing, etc.), App Notifications obviously need to be directly and clearly related to the sending app. Any users you mention in notifications must be aware that their information is being included and you must provide a way for them to opt out. Please be sure to familiarize yourself with the new terms.

The entire team has worked very hard to get this functionality out and we’re excited to see the great new apps the community creates using it!