What is RSS?

RSS (Real Simple Syndication OR Rich Site Summary) is an XML-based format for easily collecting and distributing web content (such as news headlines). Any user with a web browser can subscribe to an RSS ‘feed’ that correlates with a web site they enjoy browsing. RSS will syndicate the links of the site, along with a summary of information about each link, and then provide the content to the user on a regular basis. The user then decides, based on the summary provided by the feed, if they wish to click the link and read the entire article on the web site that provides the RSS feed.

Web browsers, including Internet Explorer 7, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari, are the most popular RSS readers and easiest to use. Many feed subscribers simply click the RSS logo and view the subscribed feed through a browser tab. This one-step process shows the simplicity and widespread use of RSS technology.

Web-based readers are yet another option some people prefer to use to subscribe to RSS feeds. Popular online readers, including Google Reader and Bloglines, provide intuitive interfaces that users can access from any Internet-connected device. This allows users to access and view feeds from a separate page that they can create and login to like My Yahoo or Reddit.

Desktop-based RSS reader software applications, such as FeedDemon and NetNewsWire, provide a stand-alone program that runs locally on a user’s computer outside of a web browser. This option caters to users seeking greater control over their feeds without the slower performance of a web browser. Because these readers offer a high level of customization, they cater to information technology professionals, writers, and others who require a high volume of control over many RSS feeds. Other niche forms of RSS readers exist, including e-mail based readers, portal sites, and start-page readers.

To find out more about RSS and how your business can benefit from it, please browse our service overview.