Adobe joins the online/offline rush

[Rik]

The BBC is reporting that Adobe has joined the rush to blur the edges between online and offline apps.

"Adobe has launched software designed to make it easier for computer users to use online applications offline.

Adobe Air allows developers to build tools that still have some functionality even when a computer is no longer connected to the net.

A free download will allow users of Macs, PCs and, later this year, Linux machines to run any Air applications. "

I wonder how long before we don't actually buy any software for local installation?

[Inactive]

The whole thing is getting blurred now Rik, it all seems to be merging.

[Rik]

It is, In, and it seems it will become more so as time goes by. I quite like the idea at one level, but what happens if the 'net goes down?

[Gary]

It is, In, and it seems it will become more so as time goes by. I quite like the idea at one level, but what happens if the 'net goes down?

Well with the Adobe solution that's not such a issue, but it could be a problem as you say Rik, but it would cut down on problems with software compatibility which has to be a good thing and lets people get to use tools they might not be able to afford easily in the long run as well.