Imagine not having any software actually installed on your PC, imagine all your applications running online directly from the software vendors. This is the direction that many software developers are heading and it's said that in 10 years time this will be the norm.

Adobe, Microsoft, Google and many other big names are all developing online versions of software applications, some free, some Beta trials and some just for fun. Imaging software and business apps seem to be the popular favourite at the moment but i'm sure this will extend into 3d and video before too long.

I can see a number of positives and negatives, though the more I think about it the more it seems to make sense for everyone.

The Pro's (as I see them)
- Your software is usable from any computer around the world.
- Your software is updated by the software vendor so is always up-to-date.
- No software installations to fill up your hard disk.
- The software vendors see what you are doing and how you use the software, so can improve the software and remove unused features.
- If your system dies you don't lose your software installations.
- Reduces software piracy as software can't be copied.

The Con's (as I see them)
- Your work files are vulnerable to an online attack ?
- The software vendors see what you are doing and how you use the software.
- If you lose internet access or can't get internet access you can't work!
- If your software account gets hacked/stolen by another user they get your software.
- Imagine renewing countless software subscriptions each year.

For me it's already happening, albeit in the PC Gaming context, my treasured Half Life CD is now an online licence enabling me to play my registered games from any PC around the world via a Steam account, I think that's a big leap forward.

Richard