Network Applications Need A Network Connection

from the well-duh dept

There's been a lot of talk lately about a resurgence in applications that live in the network, particularly consumer applications, fomented mainly by the speculation swirling around the Google-Sun announcement that turned out to be nothing a few weeks back. Now, some people are realizing that yes, you need a network connection to use network applications, and that because net connectivity isn't 100% reliable (for various reasons), net-based applications are a bad idea. Of course, this hasn't stunted the growth of hosted applications in the enterprise market, but it could be a concern for a lot of users, particularly those with flaky connections. But to argue that network applications should be totally discarded is a bit extreme -- the ideal solution probably lies somewhere in combining both local applications with network features like automatic backup or access to additional features and functions. The whole "the network is the computer" idea hasn't panned out exactly like the marketing people that came up with the tagline thought it would, but that doesn't mean it doesn't offer some benefits.

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  1. identicon
    Jason, 18 Oct 2005 @ 12:57pm

    network apps

    In the early 20th some companies had CEO's {chief electricity officer}'s to manage electricy integration.

    As any industy grows it matures, and becomes a commodity.

    Network access will be the same I think, so while today network availability is limited, it won't be for long.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  2. identicon
    Brian, 18 Oct 2005 @ 2:58pm

    Re: network apps

    I actually don't see what the big deal is...I've never had my network connection go out. Hell, I've ever used 9V batteries to run my modem and plugged that into a laptop while the power was out! You're saying network access will soon be as reliable as electricity (at least I'm pretty sure that's what you're saying)...well, mine is already MORE reliable!

    link to this | view in thread ]

  3. identicon
    Scott, 18 Oct 2005 @ 4:51pm

    No Subject Given

    Here's a company that helps get by the problem of 100% network availability. www.disksites.com... I'm sure there are others but I found this one researching a project. Just something to think about when using hosted apps.

    link to this | view in thread ]

  4. identicon
    Seb, 20 Oct 2005 @ 1:15pm

    RE: Network Applications Need A Network Connection

    I'm not sure I understand the Google-Sun excitement. The pros and cons for network applications go beyond the issue(?) of connectivity. Personally, I enjoy a good connectivity.
    I'm also not waiting for Google (or anybody else) to use a network office suite: http://online.thinkfree.com/
    *Disclaimer: I have no relation to thinkfree besides being a user ;-) *

    link to this | view in thread ]


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