[Am-info] The Nando Times: LARRY MAGID: Pros, cons of Internet-dependent applications

[Fred A. Miller]

"Microsoft and other developers eventually will serve up a wide 
range of applications that will make Windows, Microsoft Office and 
other PC programs dependent upon an Internet connection to perform 
certain tasks.

On the plus side, this strategy will make it a lot easier to add new 
features, fix bugs and offer networking and software applications 
that would be impossible or impractical on an unconnected computer.

But these benefits come at a cost and at a risk. To take full 
advantage of these services you have to be connected to the Net, 
preferably using a high-speed connection such as DSL or cable. In 
many cases, you will have to pay additional fees.

With .Net, Microsoft sees the opportunity for an ongoing revenue 
stream. Instead of trying to sell you upgrades every year or two, 
they'll sell you a subscription.

In a sense, it's like watching movies on a cable or satellite 
channel versus owning your own video tapes and DVDs. Getting your TV 
programming from such a service can be great as long as the service 
keeps working and you keep paying your bill.

.Net and similar concepts are about using the Internet to enhance or 
even replace your software.

For example, I now use the free Atomica service as my electronic 
thesaurus and dictionary. If I'm using Word and need a definition, I 
simply highlight the word, press a key, and Atomica looks it up over 
the Internet.

I used to use Quicken as my sole program for paying bills and 
keeping track of my finances. I now pay and receive my bills through 
Paytrust. I like that I can view or pay my bills from anywhere, even 
if I'm out of the country.

But if my network connection or Paytrust's servers go down, I'm out 
of luck. And, if the company were to go out of business, I would no 
longer be able to view or pay those bills.

That's one reason why it's always a good idea to have a local copy 
of your data on your own PC and why I would never use a service that 
doesn't allow you to download your own data. Sadly, the dot-com 
landscape is littered with companies that have abandoned their 
business plans - and their customers.

The new paradigm of Internet applications assumes a level of trust. 
Users must not only trust that network companies will not violate 
their privacy, but that they will have adequate security to protect 
you against others.

I've never seen any evidence suggesting that Microsoft would 
deliberately peer into users' data, but there have been situations 
where its security was lax, making it possible for hackers to break in.

Still, there are aspects of the idea that make a great deal of 
sense. The Internet is an excellent vehicle for keeping software up 
to date.

Online storage services such as SkyDesk's can be a lot more reliable 
and secure than local storage.

Online collaborative tools make it possible for colleagues to work 
together or for families to share photos, music and other group 
calendars.

Now all we need are infallible servers, network connections and people.

Larry Magid is a syndicated technology columnist and the author of 
"The Little PC Book: Windows XP Edition" (Peachpit Press, 2002)."

<http://www.nandotimes.com/technology/story/412414p-3285920c.html>

-- 
Fred A. Miller
Systems Administrator
Cornell Univ. Press Services
fm@cupserv.org, www.cupserv.org
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