Zoho, who have been supplying online apps for a number of years recently started to make thier apps available offline using Google Gears.
The Zoho blogs have an interesting article on how the offline world is trying to make it easier for their users to move on line and vice versa.
The Transition Effect at Zoho Blogs
UPDATE:
Techcruch looks at some of the technology working to overcome the online/offline barrier.
Zoho, the supplier of ever increasing services via the web has launched their Zoho People application.
People is a browser based app giving all the functionality any decerning HR deprtment would need. This includes
This new app neatly slides into the business offering that Zoho has. Zoho has a large following of users for their many aoos (Word processor, Spreadsheets, Database, Notepad, Email, Calendar …… ) and only just recently started to charge for some of their services. I have used Zoho CRM in the past, a very well rounded CRM system that continues to be free for upto 3 users.
Whilst I have no use for this People application I can see its benefits and it fits in quite nicely with their other apps.
Whilst Zoho is amazing at its realease schedule they do need to start bringing the apps together, they do have a single sign on system which starts the ball rolling but I would like to see the interoperability increased, how about adding a new person through People create accounts in the Zoho apps that the company uses i.e Email or CRM.
I have been using my new Asus UMPC for a couple of months now and in so many ways I am impressed.
I am sure you all know what the Eee PC is, but for those who don’t. The Asus 701 was the long awaited Ultra Mobile PC from Asus, a small screen, a solid state hard disk and a cut down Unix OS. This leads to a small quick booting PC. Ideal for picking up you email, surfing and basic office work. Yes the keyboard is cramped but its not for writing lots of words on (although very capable if you get used to the keyboard).
If you don’t know Unix and want to add lots of non standard apps, it perhaps is not the machine for you, having said that the community behind it is active and making it easier and easier for Non Unix people (like me) get what they need out of it. An example of this is I backup key documents every day from my Windows PC on to a Truecrypt protected USB key. Getting Truecrypt to work on the Eee was initially a lot of work which I wasn’t prepared and nervous to do. But now http://forum.eeeuser.com/ has taken the hard work out of it and 3 minutes of barely technical work gave me working Truecrypt.
The installed Unix has a simple Skin with big Icons giving you quick access to the apps you need, these Big Icons do make it feel a little like a toy but it works well. If you still don’t like Unix or want a full version of Unix you can easily(!) Install XP or other Distros of Unix.
The pre-installed apps are all very capable and what you would expect. Thunderbird for email, Firefox for browsing, The Open Office Suite, Pidgeon for messengering, Skype for Telephone and Video calling, Music and Video players and then a number of other apps aimed at education and games.
Where is it lacking, I am always thinking I am missing something not having XP but in reality I don’t find it an issue. I don’t think I would want to do the XP things I do on my PC. Disk space is at a premium but with an SDHC slot and the SD prices tumbling £40 buys you an 8GB upgrade.
Its not as portable say as a Nokia 810, you need a table to use it and it perhaps does not look as flashy. Wifi makes access a breeze but with no GSM you have to be lucky when you are out and about.
In all 8/10