MacWorld Keynote: iWork.com

I’ve just finished checking out all the coverage from Phil Schiller’s keynote and I have to say, I’m satisfied. Let’s take a look.

For those not familiar with the topic, Cloud Computing is a mixture of computer software and internet services. It allows you to do tasks on the internet that were once only doable on the desktop. There is already a strong number of examples of cloud computing: Google Docs, Google Gears, Windows Live Mesh and MobileMe (to an extent).

Here enters Apple once again, this time with iWork.com

iWork.com is a new service that will let iWork users to publish their work up to iWork.com. The idea is collaberation, helping you and your collegues/friends work together on a document. You can add in-line comments to either Numbers, Pages or Keynote documents, share ideas and thoughts all from your web browser.

This is fantastic because it makes iWork cross platform with no discrimination between operating systems. To drive this point home, Apple have done something very clever. When you upload your document, iWork.com transfers it into three file types: the default iWork file type, Microsoft Office format and also to PDF. Everyone’s happy! You can even view and manage your documents to see if any have unread comments.

The service is being release in beta today but Apple say the service will become a paid one in the future. I am hoping that it will also bundled with MobileMe, which seams sensible. This leaves people two options of paying for the service: stand alone and with MobileMe.

Looking forward to iWork.com? Leave a comment.

MobileMe: ‘My Extensions Go On!’

Mobile Me Extension!

Today we saw the continuation in the saga of MobileMe, Apple’s consumer answer to Microsoft Exchange. Since it’s official launch there has been no end of trouble for some users. There have been sync issues, email outages and random times when nothing worked. But today, on top of the already promised one month subscription extension, Apple announced that current MobileMe subscribers would get another TWO months (that’s right, count them) on top of the previous one month extension.

 

I think it’s only fair to congratulate Apple on the way they handled this issue (the entire issue). From the moment problems were apparent they recognized them, and didn’t cover them up with the usual PR speak (ok, it was a bit PR-ish):

 

“We have recently completed the transition from .Mac to MobileMe. Unfortunately, it was a lot rockier than we had hoped.

Although core services such as Mail, iDisk, Sync, Back to My Mac, and Gallery went relatively smoothly, the new MobileMe web applications had lots of problems initially. Fortunately we have worked through those problems and the web apps are now up and running.

We want to apologize to our loyal customers and express our appreciation for their patience by giving all current subscribers an automatic 30-day extension to their MobileMe subscription free of charge.” – 17^th July, 08

 

Transparency like this is rare from most companies. I’ve certainly had my complaints with my cable internet provider on several occasions. Times when they have blamed the problem on the fact I was using a Mac, blamed it on Internet Explorer, and even blamed it on Windows Firewall but never on themselves (who turned out to be at fault). I find it refreshing to know that some companies know how to keep their customers in the loop with problems.

 

From my perspective Apple’s reaction has been fantastic! I have been one of the lucky ones who have had no trouble at all with MobileMe. Not only have I had flawless service, but I receive another three months of it for free! 

Thanks Apple!