Awesome movie! But is it really a prequel or a sequel?

Rating: 9/10 (21 May 2009)

This movie was amazing and stayed true to the original. The question I have is, "Is it a prequel or a sequel?". I feel this is either a sequel or the beginning of a completely different series. There are many references to the previous Star Trek films. I feel this was a sequel because it presents Spock and Nero from present going back in time and consequently changing the past. This can't be a prequel because now that the past has been changed of course the future has been changed as well. What they have created is a beginning of an alternate reality/future. I am excited to see what will happen in this alternate future.