Content Matters

ajaxWrite is the latest in a group of web-based word processors, leveraging Ajax development processes.  Ajax, which stands for Asynchronous Javascript and XML, is a rapidly growing development approach which allows browser-based applications to act more like desktop applications.  Specifically, it uses javascript to enable applications to redraw individual portions of a screen so that the screen doesn't have to be fully redrawn each time a change or selection is made. 

The first thing you'll notice about ajaxWrite is that it looks and feels much like Microsoft Word(tm).  The second thing you'll notice is how fast it is.  Within a few seconds you'll be tempted to forget that you're using a web-based app and think you're using Word(tm).  Most of the menu items you're accustomed to are there, including format and style options.  ajaxWrite can open Word, WordPerfect, StarOffice and other file formats.  Documents can be saved as Word docs or even as PDF files.

So, what are the benefits of ajaxWrite?
One benefit is that it's free, where Microsoft Office runs about $500 per seat.  Also, ajaxWrite is platform independent; it runs on Windows, Linux or Mac.  As a hosted application, there's no IT required to install and new versions are automatically available.  Conversely, ajaxWrite is still a beta (even though there's no label to that effect).  It only runs in Firefox, not IE and some key features, such as spell checker, are still under development.

I don't expect ajaxWrite or its bretheren like Writely (recently acquired by Google) or Zoho Writer to take significant market share from Microsoft.  At least not initially, and not in the core business market.  But these applications may begin to eat into Microsoft in certain markets, particularly in the educational market, nonprofits and small business, as well as some of the efforts to bring technology to the Third World. 

What are the implications for publishers?
I think that ajaxWrite sends a few strong signals to any technology-focused company.
First, by going right after the number one business application, ajaxWrite helps bring prominence to Ajax programming and the ability to create real apps on the web.  If your web-based applications are still simple flat views of content, it's probably time to rethink them.

Second, these approaches have changed the pace at which products are developed.  Companies still using traditional development processes, with 9-18 month development cycles, will have difficulty remaining competitive.  Innovative companies today are working in 3-6 month development cycles, often releasing products with an extended beta period, using customer feedback to enhance the product after it's been released. 

Third, the business models for these applications are different.  A hosted application doesn't need to be sold the way shrink-wrapped software might.  These applications are well-suited towards free advertising-supported versions, perhaps with a premium version on a subscription basis.  This model should help publishers, particularly those with an ad-supported content business.

Products like ajaxWrite or the new Google Finance prove that you can quickly develop and deploy strong functionality in web-based applications.  Publishers looking to increase revenue and market share should look at these as models for how they can provide tools to increase the usability of their content.