Actually, companies like Netsuite and Salesforce.com were there first but Google perfected the mass market play. A posting on The Stalwart describes Google's approach best. Here's a quote: "In Google's vision, all of your important data, and the software required to use it is centrally housed, accessible via a browser on any device--aka a thin client."
Microsoft's vision of rich client innovation is polar opposite to Google's. So when I returned to the office I was pleased to read about Microsoft's Windows Live and Office Live announcement. There's a ton of coverage about this on Tech.Memeorandum but the most insightful analysis is at the Microsoft Monitor Weblog in a post called - "What "Live" Is" and "What Live Is Not"
Microsoft Live is excellent news for the future of software and for enterprise/small/medium businesses. It's also a great strategic move by Microsoft.
Related Links: Microsoft, Software as a Service, Google
Yes I think it is a great move by MSF. There are many others out there like Office Live already, that will work in all browsers and have more functionality. One that comes to mind is www.officegateway.ca
ReplyDeleteCheck it out if you get a chance and it is Canadian!