I’m not talking about the HTTP GET problem… that has been well described and has a number of solutions. I’m talking more about the disruptive nature of the web applications being developed and pushed out, with new things coming out every day.
Now, I am just was just as awe inpired with Google Maps as the next person, and too am still developing with and researching the use of AJAX in numerous applications, some for my current client, and some for my side projects. I really like the useability and intuitiveness that is enabled by only a few web technologies, such as Flex, OpenLazlo, Flash, and last and probably most easily attained AJAX.
No, I am more concerned about the implications of having these technologies hosted for me. Should I trust Writely? or ajaxWrite? Why? I realize that both of these, and most other AJAX apps allow you to store the data on your computer, but at some point, it is on the Web. Whats that you say? Google bought Writely, and they believe in “do no evil“? Well, maybe so, but I am beginning to think of Google like it is the Microsoft of the Intar-web. My guess is Google will have a Web-Office solution before Microsoft’s next Office release, though the quality of said solution will most likely be the most liberal use of word “Beta” we have seen since Google Finance.
In reality, I will probably use these tools more than the average web user. But it begs an interesting question that has really been around since PCs became mainstream: Do we trust our software providers? I am a developer, and I used to feel comfortable with software, but as I become more versed in what “business” seems to mean in this Enron and WorldCom informed world, I have started to question wether that is a good idea or not.
I think the best way to look at it is this: if you feel that the content of what you are putting into these applications is something you would not want to be seen by others without your knowledge, then do not use them. Keep using your local software. And if you are severly paranoid, unplug from the ‘Net and hide in your tinfoil-wallpapered closet.
Of course, this advice (if you can call it that) can be used in relation to any web technology. The specific problem with AJAX enabled apps is that they pushing what can be done further than ever before.
And hopefully next week I can introduce you to my latest AJAX-inspired application. But a word of warning: it will be Beta! 
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