Conventional wisdom is that web-based applications are the Next Big Thing. Current apps like Salesforce.com’s CRM show that critical business data and processes can be outsourced to third parties and be accessed via a Web browser. Email providers like Hotmail, Google’s Gmail, and Yahoo Mail have proven to be effective alternatives to personal email software running locally. And well-run online apps offer many advantages compared to a local PC – universal accessibility of the app and personal data, managed backups, redundant hardware, etc. Presumably, it’s just a matter of time before the PC becomes little more than a dumb terminal used mainly to open browser windows, right? Not so fast, says Sascha Segan of PC Magazine in The Trouble with Web Apps.
Segan points out some of the shortcomings of any Web-based application:
- They can’t access hardware via Javascript, hence no Skype client.
- Web apps are inherently slower because they work through a browser and Javascript, an inefficient language.
- Compatability problems exist with different browsers and even browser versions.
- Offline use of Web apps is usually impossible.
- Third party Web apps present privacy/data security concerns.
I think Segan makes some good points, but I see Web apps as continuing to gain ground for several reasons. High speed connectivity is far from ubiquitous at the moment, but that’s changing. Technologies ranging from municipal wireless to fiber to the home (FTTH) to cellular broadband networks continue to increase universal and continuous connectivity. We’re not all that far from the time when it’s easier to get a good internet connection than to find a place to plug in your computer. Browser compatibility issues pale by comparison with PC operating system, hardware, and software variations. We even seem to be making a bit of progress in the direction of standards-compliant browsers. Speed issues and latency will probably be issues for some time to come, but faster connectivity, better coding, and the evolution of local hardware will improve these with time.
The hurdle of privacy and data security can be overcome as well – plenty of companies trust Salesforce.com with their data. Clearly, customer lists and details are among the most sensitive kinds of data within a compay. If the management of that data can be outsourced, surely accounting, documents, etc. can be as well.
In the long run, I think Web applications will grow to dominate many, if not most, kinds of apps. In the shorter run, though, the limitations described by Segan will slow adoption of these apps to a less than viral growth pace.
