Photoshop Express the next step in online photo editing or the next step in free software?

There has been a lot of discussion about the new Photoshop Express (this is just a sample from last night):

• Adobe Launches Hosted Services With Photoshop Express – GigaOM
• Adobe Unveils Webtop Version of Photoshop. Picnik Is Not Scared.
• Review: Adobe Photoshop Express | Webware : Cool Web apps for everyone
• Adobe opens shop on Web-based Photoshop Express | Webware : Cool Web apps for everyone

I haven’t tried it yet, I don’t often need a web app for this kind of thing, but it got me thinking about the whole new crop of free web-based apps that can take the place of traditional desktop apps.

Is online and free better than download and free?
Not long ago if a company like Adobe, Microsoft, or anyone else wanted to release a “free” app, they made a stripped down version that people could download and install.  Whether it’s ad supported or not, it doesn’t matter, it was a download and install.  Having supported software before at Qumana I know that supporting free software is a chore.  Conflicts, installer issues, updates, it takes time and energy (and therefore money) to manage.

Now we have more and more really powerful tools available online.  Need to make a quick spreadsheet, document, presentation, even a relational database, there are solutions out there for you.  Most are free to start and have pay options for more space or features.  This new model is a great thing for both software companies/developers and users.

How many times have you need to just quickly edit a graphic and didn’t have the software on hand?  Most folks don’t mess with images often, and those who do have software already on hand.  For the casual user even downloading and installing something like Paint.net or Gimp (two of my favourite free graphics apps) can be too much.  Services like Picnik and Photoshop Express are perfect for this.

But…

Will this slow development of great desktop apps?
I certainly hope not, and I honestly don’t think it will.  Most, almost all in fact, of my work is done within a desktop app.  RSS reading, email, blog posts, image work all in desktop apps.  I like the freedom from needing an Internet connection and the power that a desktop app can have that a web-based app is hard-pressed to match (yes they are getting better).

So in many ways I see the online apps as a gateway to desktop ones.  The web-based tools that have a clear and easy connection to a desktop tool will start to shine over time.  Doing more and more photo editing?  Maybe a Photoshop Lite is for you (though I’d still recommend trying a free app first).  Office suite … well we know what most folks will go for.

Which is your favourite web-based app?  Have to moved from desktop to web?  Have you started on the web and found you needed a desktop tool later?

I have for RSS and blog posting, what’s your story?