9to5Mac is reporting one of the announcements we’ll here at Macworld will be web-based versions of the iWork suite of apps. There is some ambiguity in their report, as to whether or not these apps will be full desktop replacements, or complimentary components to actual desktop software.
As someone who continues to endure the web-based apps that currently exist as part of MobileMe, I highly doubt Apple plans on replacing their desktop iWork apps with a web-only interface. They still have not ironed out all the problems with the web-based email client for MobileMe; are we to believe they are ready to introduce a full productivity suite which exists only in the cloud?
Providing added value by introducing an additional feature for iWork and/or MobileMe users is much more plausible; and online access + storage could be very interesting. Also, it is only logical to assume any new web-based applications from Apple will be designed with the iPhone, iPod touch, or any similar (future) device in mind.
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Cloud computing needs to mature before ANYTHING goes completely cloud based. If anything, Apple could extend this stuff online. But still, until they focus equally on stability as much as they do on UI, it’ll most likely under-deliver in terms of usability.
Aviv,
At the risk of sounding too much like Dvorak, I concur; not ready for primetime yet!
Also, it seems the MobileMe launch fiasco from earlier this year would certainly be a barrier in getting consumers to spend any new money on an initiative like this.
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