The Return of the 'Network Computer'

The advent of Windows Live (a version of the pre-existing beta Start.com) confirms what we already know: the Larry Ellison vision of a "network computer" is here. (Further proof: the coming Wal-Mart US$398 laptop.)

Whatever the relationship, ultimately, of these new, Web-based tools to MS Widows or Office it's clear that more and more of the heavy lifting is happening online and not on the desktop. The shift to Web-based e-mail is just the probable tip of that iceberg.
______

More from Ross Mayfield's blog and SiliconBeat. PaidContent speculates (along with others) that "Windows Live" might be the new Internet brand and supercede MSN.

Here's Charlene Li's (very favorable) post on the new MS "Live" strategy and why she thinks it will succeed.