Web-based productivity apps. Why?

[borked]

Google Docs, 280 Slides and a few other less-polished web apps are popping up.

But I don't get why? OK, you can share them, but why have an app driven by a web browser? They work damn well, and show off the best of what can be achieved on the web, but I just don't think there's a market for them imo.

Anyone use them?

[Juicy D. Links]

i am doing a drive by posting

[hypedough]

I personally use Google Docs whenever I'm near my home computer. That 280 Slides is something else though, it's pretty impressive but I don't see why people can't use applications for this rather than web-based stuff.

[borked]

... but I don't see why people can't use applications for this rather than web-based stuff.

right, so why do you use google docs? unless that was a typo, and it was meant to be "when I'm not near my..."

[Sly]

I use Google Docs occasionally. I like it for the same reason I like web-based e-mail, you can access it from anywhere on any computer. Another great advantage is easy file sharing... you and others in your group (friends, family, coworkers) can all share and modify a file quite easily without needing additional software.

Any time I can get a web-based application as opposed to a client-based application, I usually go for it.

[broots]

Well, there are certain folks out there who claim that eventually, your PC will essentially just act as a browser. Cheap thin clients that just allow for connectivity to the internet. I guess that's why Google is also trying to iron out the kinks in Chrome. Google docs is primitive but I think the whole point is to observe how the service is used. It wouldn't surprise me at all if they eventually came out with a full-fledged office suite that featured ads (the whole of which could be turned off for a fee).

[broots]

Any time I can get a web-based application as opposed to a client-based application, I usually go for it.

I'm guessing that this is what Google is banking on.

[tony286]

I like online apps, the more I have online based.The less bullshit when a hard drive fails or I have to reformat a system.

[BigBen]

There's a HUGE market for SaaS applications. Access from anywhere, no downloading/installing updates, don't have to worry about hardware requirements or compatibility issues, easy collaboration, etc.

[After Shock Media]

I also use google docs, especially for projects where I have assorted people working on them.