But the Applications, They Are So Darned Feature Rich! I think this is one of the "catches" that hook most people into falling for web applications as their new default. Because they offer everything someone might want from a localized application, the obvious shortcomings like security are completely ignored for the temptation of convenience. This is part of what gave Windows so much grief with 98 through XP.

With that said, I would be the first to agree that access to web applications makes a lot of sense when you look at something to backup a localized solution. For instance, let’s say you are visiting your in-laws, and you need to edit a document that you forgot to complete before making the trip, and you have it handy on the thumb drive attached to your keychain. In this instance, access to a full featured, web-based text editor makes a lot of sense. However, it would not replace a full-time solution; you need to have a plan B if you depend on this kind of an application.

Google Calendar: A Classic Example. I think Google Calendar provides a classic example here. We have a feature rich application that cannot be synced to anything without third-party assistance. I’m not pointing fingers, but it means that I’m either hunting down a third-party provider for my calendar synchronization or continue to rely on the SMS feature for alerts.

Here is where Google could really "wow me." Create a sync app based on Java that allows me to browse to my calendar file for either Kontact or Evolution and boom - you just gained a huge share of value for a largely ignored audience. And considering the Google interest in remaining competitive with Microsoft, this allows them to further extend their reach with very, very little effort. Again, that is without relying on unknown third party options. I would also love to see this for syncing Google products to my Pocket PC as well.