Just this week I was talking about browser applications (Google Docs) biggest downfall over local installed applications (Microsoft Word for example) is a permanent need for an internet connection.
What’s more, the next generation of web browsers will allow these applications to work offline and synchronising changes back to the server when connection to the internet becomes available again. So businesses need not worry about that aspect.
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Well Google has just announce this little project called Google Gears. This could have some significance benefits for people like Google and others who provide online applications. Many businesses are reluctant to try them because of the constant need for an internet connection. Also being a keen provider of open source solutions in business, I’m very pleased they have chosen the open source route!
Google Gears (BETA) is an open source browser extension that enables web applications to provide offline functionality
http://gears.google.com/
Okay the only Google Application to make use of this new technology at the moment is Google Reader and other test applications you can find in the developers area of Google Gears. Here you can see Google Gears is downloading all my blog subscriptions, favourites being…Digital Agency, Ewan McIntosh, David Airey and Fraser’s Affiliate Marketing.
Here you can see I’m reading Ewan’s post on Reboot9 offline
I make changes such as mark (Star) the post for further reading later or marked it as read. When I go back on line the changes are synchronized back.
I really think this type of technology will encourage the up take of online applications in business.
Well done Google!
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