According to some rumors today, Apple might be working on an online version of its iWork productivity suite. 9to5Mac reports that they have received information about this from credible sources, though as with all Apple rumors around this time of year, it is hard to discern truth from wishful thinking. However, given that online office suites are clearly an up-and-coming market, with Microsoft poised to join the fray early next year, it would make sense for Apple to be heading in this direction as well.
One of the interesting questions that 9to5Mac asks is if this will work on the iPhone and iPod touch. However, while we would be excited to see this (maybe with the addition of a native copy and paste implementation), it's hard to imagine somebody using productivity applications extensively on the iPhone. Being able to quickly retrieve and view documents and presentations on those devices, however, would be a great feature.
If Apple is really working on this, then we expect them to release it through a similar annual subscription model as Mobile Me. Chances are that Apple will also use the same SproutCore JavaScript framework it used for MobileMe. When Apple first discussed SproutCore, some already assumed that the natural next step for Apple would be a productivity app built around this framework.
Given what a disaster the release of Apple's Mobile Me online email and calendaring applications was, we can only hope that Apple, if it really decides to go this route, will have learned from that experience.
If you want a taste of what these online apps could look like, have a look at 280slides, a Keynote-like online presentation app that was developed by two former Apple engineers.
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Comments
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I've heard of iPhone fanbois writing entire essays on their iPhones, so I don't see why they couldn't make the rest of it, presentations, spreadsheets, etc, work for them.
Posted by: Ed F
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December 31, 2008 1:25 PM
I'd welcome a Mac-compatible alternative to the Google suite
Posted by: fjpoblam | December 31, 2008 1:34 PM
This would be a significant market shift for Apple. IF iWork were to be released as a web based service, available to PCs, they would be opening a whole new market of PC accessible software. Big potential win for Apple.
However, if/when most of Apple's most successful software is available to PC and netbook users, Apple's hardware advantage would be limited to their well designed OS and hardware, not the full Apple suite as it is currently.
Posted by: jon burg | December 31, 2008 1:46 PM
280Slides is really slick. From what I've seen Objective-J / Cappuccino is a better solution than sproutcore. Why doesn't apple just acquire them? They obviously seem to understand how these things should be done.
Posted by: Robert | December 31, 2008 2:43 PM
@ed - typing essays on the iPhone is pretty hardcore. I like the keyboard for short messages, but I coudn't fathom having to type anything longer on the iPhone (or any phone for that matter)
Posted by: Frederic
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December 31, 2008 2:59 PM