> I was thinking about this awhile ago. Now think of these thin-client
> front ends being provided by an ISP with the ISP providing online
> storage space and the typical apps people use (Word Processor,
> Spreadsheet, etc.) as AJAX applications (or something else hosted). If
> the ISP owns the thin-client then a subscriber doesn't have to manage
> software or buy new computers and the ISP probably gets a much easier
> support environment since the thin-client's only function is connecting
> to the ISP's servers. Thoughts?
That sounds like the definition of "Internet Appliance".
In the commercial sector this has been tried a number of times, and in
each case it has failed. (I worked on one in the late 90's and saw it,
and that market as a whole die off.)
Was the market not ready for the Internet Appliance in homes? Perhaps.
It also hasn't been ready for the previous several attempts at creating
light-weight computers for home use.
In an environment where people expect Desktop-like computers, it is
likely to be a hard sell. However, if you do what Símon was talking
about, and go overseas and sell it to an entire building at a time...
It may be doable, especially if you're dealing with an environment
in which most people are not expected to have computers at all.
Cheers,
Steven Black
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