(Updated)
I was one of the first bloggers to welcome ajaxSketch, released only a week after ajaxWrite, as part of my growing collection of FireFox bookmarks in the WebOffice folder. Well, I just deleted them. What’s the point of using Web-based applications if I can only save my work on the local harddrive? If I have access to my own PC, I also have the desktop applications, and if the purpose is work/create anywhere I am, I need not only Web-based applications, but web-based storage too.
Well, at least I don’t have to worry about my WebOffice folder filling up too fast …
Update (3/30): Apparently I’m not the only one disappointed: “Whats the point in a Web application storing its files on your pc? None!”
Update (4/10): Now we have the answer, thanks to the Seattle PI via Paul Thurrott. “Currently, ajaxWrite saves documents on the computer hard drive, but
Robertson says the plan is to offer online file storage and other
advanced features for a subscription fee. That’s how the company will
seek to make money.” OK, I just wonder if the initially disappointed users will bother to check back later.
Tags: WebOffice, Web 2.0, AJAX, AJAX Office, ajaxWrite, ajaxLaunch, AjaxSketch, box.net
ajaxWrite crashed, which would be another reason not to use it. Moreover, the file it saved on my hard drive wouldn’t open in Word so not so useful in that sense either. The other thing I don’t understand is why each new service that comes out (okay, not all of them, but many) is surprised and caught off guard by the server capacity required of the initial release. Shouldn’t these services foresee this by now?
This is exactly what I think of Openomy solving. Why on earth would you want a web based Office suite that stores data on your local drive?
But, at the same time, why would you want a web based Office suite that stores the data on their individual server allowing you access only through their front-end? What if they don’t offer a feature another site does? Why shouldn’t you, with *your own* data, be free to choose?
Openomy’s storage and API capabilities are designed to take care of this problem.
And we’re working on some really interesting things designed for this web based office issue. Stay tuned. 😉
Ian
Ian, I absolutely agree, except that you don’t have the luxury of waiting for the app guys to use your open API’s. There are quite a few players on the storage market, and some are taking a more active approach. See the Netvibes and Groowy deals with box.net. I think you’ll need to go ahead and do similar deals, if for nothing else, a land-grab and getting your name out.
My 2cents 🙂
Zoli,
I agree — which is why I say “stay tuned.” We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. 🙂
Ian
Ok, how about tomorrow? 🙂
Zoho Writer, the online word processor offers more features like storing docs online, post-to-blog, collaboration etc & forms a part of a wider Zoho suite of products. Check it out.
ThinkFree, the Microsoft-free Web Office
Are you losing track of the plethora of WebOffice applications? I certainly am, as a matter of fact, today I just said half-jokingly that soon we will need a directory of all Web 2.0 directories, let alone app’s.
My favorite ed…