Many web applications are integrating and interfacing with PC based applications. This trend will continue to grow, because the web is no longer a separate world where people post information, but a vibrant communications channel that must be kept current to be of value. At the same time, the web sites themselves are more complex, and even with powerful, easy-to-use applications, the ability to post and manage content with familiar tools is very valuable.

Look for these types of features in new applications and plugins (many exist).

• Blogging by email
• Saving word processing documents directly to web applications
• Offline editing with later synchronization (Google GearBox?)
• Drag and drop, desktop to web
• More content conversion utilities
• Greater standardization across all platforms
• Direct, dynamic multimedia connections
• Content delivery networks to reduce the cost of distribution

These are good investments.