Recently some Google users lost all the emails and contacts! Yep, one fine day, they logged in their GMail account only to find out that all their stuff was, puff, gone!
While the loss was contained to only a few people it does make me wander whether I (or anyone else for that matter) should rely on Web services to store data.
A slew of Web 2.0 storage services such as Box.net and StreamLoad are making their debut and are quickly gaining large user bases.
You may argue that these service providers are backing up your data, but Google did too; yet the loss was irrecoverable.
This issue is one of trust. Not only must you be sure that your data is secured from prying eyes (See my post on CentralDesktop security snafu) you must now be wary of the potential data loss!
If you are a small business owner and are relying on a free email service such a GMail, you should be extra carefull that your mission-critical information is always backed-up - by you, not Google!.
The question that begs to be answered is:
Will web based email services ever replace your smart client email apps such as Outlook, Firebird?
So far my answer is still a resounding NO.