Really Simple Syndication or RSS is an XML-based format for digital distribution of content on the web. Think of it as your very own personal news agency reporting the latest news or information on your website or blog. Since 1997, RSS has grown in popularity a great deal and is being used by just about every major news agency, magazine, or blog on the Internet. You can tell if a website RSS enabled by looking for the little RSS icon . RSS is a great way to draw more attention and exposure to your Website. Simply put, RSS makes the information you most want your audience to see, more accessible. Most of the work load of RSS is carried by programs called aggregators, these programs are RSS-aware and check for the latest feed changes in which the user has subscribed to. Many programs that are currently being used today are equipped with these RSS feed readers, some examples are Outlook 2007, Internet Explorer 7, Firefox, as well many Internet based readers. Below is an example of how you can customize Google's home page with RSS feeds.

We added the feed from our website so it displays the latest headlines. More and more, Internet users are getting their information directly on their desktop without have to launch a browser. New computer operating systems like Windows Vista includes the ability to place widgets on the desktop that display information through RSS feeds. Website owners now have the ability to extend their reach beyond their website and target market directly to those interested in their products and services.