Oct
12
2007Adobe Apollo - A Real Solution for Advertising-Supported Software?
12
2007
Originally published on HHCC.com, March 19 2007
Things seem to repeatedly come full circle in the Internet world. Flash and Ajax technology brought the power of desktop applications to web pages, and now Adobe has introduced a new technology, called “Apollo“, which brings the power of Flash and Ajax web applications to… the desktop!
Sound silly? Actually, it makes a lot of sense, and it could mean big things for interactive marketing.
While the idea of bringing desktop-like web applications back to the desktop sounds a bit confusing, it’s really a pretty significant development. No matter how “desktop-like” a web application is, there are several limitations that exist (and for good reason):
- Web applications can’t interact with your file system
- Web applications are useless when you’re not online
- Web applications can’t be associated with file types (for example, you can’t double-click a “.doc” file and have Google Docs show up
Apollo will address all these issues and more, including some major development productivity bonuses. Check out their demo of an Apollo-powered eBay application.
OK, since this is an advertising blog, what’s the message to the CMO’s? Well, by removing the typical barriers to web application adoption, Apollo could be the vehicle which finally brings advertising-supported applications to the masses. I’m sure Google is keeping a close eye on it for their Google Apps.
Also, while most web applications are focused on entertainment or socializing, people use desktop applications to really get things done — and they’re always looking for better solutions. Offering them a better way, with your name on it (say, a Timex-branded to-do list, or an NBC-branded video editor) can go a long way toward building brand loyalty.