Cloud OS still pie in the sky

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Again, Google apps will lose

MS? Software + Services strategy includes Silverlight, XBAPs, and desktop clients. Silverlight apps do everything you talked about ? but are the least sophisticated type of apps. XBAPs do much of what you talk about, but are Windows specific, and can be much more capable than Silverlight apps. You simply trade more capability with XBAPs for less reach, than with Silverlight apps. Finally desktop RIAs can be many times more sophisticated than browser apps can possibly become, and elegantly solve the offline problem.

Developers will have to figure out which technology is right for them, but it should be clear: MS? S + S strategy is not only about desktop RIAs, it is much more than that. Note that adding web services extensions to AutoCad (making the program interactive with live data) can in no way be equaled by a browser app. The same thing can be said about sophisticated and immersive video games, MS Office, etc. The trade offs a developer has to make to produce a desktop RIA, is miniscule to the benefits he gets from the platform. There generally will be no competition between desktop RIAs and browser based apps, because of the several times greater capabilities the former will bring over the latter.

As a practical matter, most people don?t hop from one strange computer to another. They therefore can install a desktop RIA on one or several computers they use regularly, with very little fuss. If an RIA transparently maintains itself, they won?t have to worry about updates, etc. Given the fact that most people use Windows, the fact that a desktop RIA may only be available on Windows, will not materially affect most people.

Therefore in total, Googles browser apps strategy pales in comparison to MS? S + S strategy, wherein the later can handle a range of application scenarios, the former cannot touch.

Posted by: P. Douglas   Posted on: 06/29/07 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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