Launched just two years ago as a site for users to find and download "bulk" data sets from federal government agencies, Data.Gov is re-launching a "next generation" version with datasets that are "interactive" meaning you can search, filter, and explore data on the fly with your web browser. "You can also create charts and maps, and APIs are available for developers."

• http://explore.data.gov/
• Next Generation Datasets
• Introducing the New Data.Gov Platform. Socrata [a Seattle-based startup that has quietly been helping cities and states around the country to get their data online.] "Discover The New Cloud-Based Data.Gov Platform In This 10-Minute Video Tour."
• Data.gov relaunches as a cloud-based open data platform, by Alex Howard, Gov20.govfresh (May 16, 2011)