Web-Based Software and the New Desktops on the Web

摘要

One outcome of the Web 2.0 movement and its Ajax offspring (discussed in my May/ June 2006 ONLINE column) is that a number of Web sites now offer Web-based software. These products are surprisingly easy to use, include collaborative features, and cost nothing. With only an Internet connection and a browser, you can use Web-based software for many computing needs. E-mail was one of the first applications to become available as an online, Web-based program. Hotmail, Yahoo! Mail, and many similar services have offered e-mail free from desktop programs for years. The standard office applications such as word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, database, and calendar software have not been readily available online—until now. This movement away from desktop-based software to Net-based applications presents opportunities and challenges.