Google Reader Shutdown: Lessons for Web Apps

The Implications of Google Reader's Discontinuation

The closure of Google Reader generated significant discussion across the internet. While the event prompted many reactions, a complete rejection of all Google products is not a proportionate response.

The Nature of Web Applications

It’s crucial to recognize the fundamental differences between traditional software and web-based applications. Unlike desktop programs, which can often continue functioning even after their developers cease operations, web apps are inherently dependent on ongoing service provision.

Once a company makes the decision to discontinue a web application, its functionality is immediately lost. This contrasts sharply with older desktop applications that remain usable for extended periods, regardless of the company’s status.

The reliance on a continuous connection to a server means that the lifespan of a web app is directly tied to the provider’s willingness to maintain it. This is a key distinction for users to understand.

Lessons Learned from the Shutdown

• Dependency on Providers: Web applications are reliant on the companies that create and maintain them.
• Data Portability: Users should consider how easily they can export their data from a service.
• Service Longevity: The long-term viability of a web service is not guaranteed.

Therefore, while Google Reader’s shutdown was unfortunate, it serves as a valuable reminder of the unique characteristics of web applications and the importance of considering these factors when choosing online services.

Data Export Capabilities: A Crucial Consideration

When utilizing web services for data storage – encompassing items like RSS feeds in Google Reader, notes within Evernote, files on Dropbox, email correspondence in Gmail, music selections on Spotify, or images hosted on Flickr – verifying the availability of straightforward data export options is paramount.

This functionality allows for seamless migration to alternative services if needed. Google Reader successfully meets this criterion, enabling users to export their feeds in the universally compatible OPML format, readily importable into other RSS readers.

Generally, Google demonstrates a strong commitment to data portability. The “Data Liberation Front” team within Google actively provides documentation detailing data export procedures and offers tools such as Google Takeout to facilitate this process.

Currently, concerns regarding Google’s Keep note-taking application are valid due to the absence of an export feature. Until Google Keep implements a simple export mechanism, users should proceed with caution, particularly considering potential service discontinuation or a desire to transition to a different note-taking platform.

Key Takeaway: Prior to significant investment in a web application and the subsequent population with your data, confirm the ease with which your data can be exported to prevent potential loss.

The Importance of Data Portability

The ability to export your data provides a safety net. It ensures you retain control over your information, regardless of the service provider’s future decisions.

Consider this a fundamental requirement when evaluating web applications. Without it, you risk vendor lock-in and potential data loss.

• Vendor Lock-in: Being unable to export data can make switching services difficult.
• Data Loss: Service shutdowns or account issues could result in permanent data loss without an export option.

Proactive data management is essential in today’s digital landscape. Always prioritize services that empower you to maintain ownership of your information.

Contingency Planning is Essential

It’s prudent to steer clear of becoming overly reliant on any single service when viable alternatives exist. While numerous RSS reader applications are available, options for RSS feed synchronization are limited, prompting other companies to rapidly develop their own solutions.

Exercise caution when placing significant trust in a service lacking competitive options. Awareness of alternatives is crucial; they represent your fallback strategy should your primary service discontinue operation.

Consider actively supporting these alternatives to foster a robust market and prevent a single entity from dominating and potentially ceasing operations, a scenario reminiscent of the Google Reader shutdown.

Key Takeaway

Avoid sole reliance on solutions without alternatives, mirroring the situation faced by feed-syncing applications following the closure of Google Reader.

The experience highlights the importance of diversification and proactive planning in a digital landscape where services can be unexpectedly discontinued.

Maintaining awareness of potential replacements ensures continued access to essential functionalities.

The Risk of Neglected Services and Misaligned Products

The discontinuation of web services isn't exclusive to Google. Microsoft recently ended support for Windows Live Mesh, a file synchronization application with features similar to SkyDrive. Similarly, Apple discontinued Ping, a social networking platform that lacked a clear strategic direction.

Despite continued reliance by many users, Google Reader had experienced a period of stagnation. Updates were limited to feature removals, such as integrated sharing and webpage tracking. For an extended period, Google Reader demonstrably lacked prioritization within Google’s overall strategy.

Consequently, Google Reader shared a fate with Windows Live Mesh and Ping – services that were deemed non-essential to their respective companies’ core business objectives. While some anticipated Google’s continued support to retain early adopters, it became clear that Reader wasn't receiving dedicated resources for growth and improvement.

Web-based applications are inherently more vulnerable than traditional desktop software. Google Reader wasn’t simply software installed on user devices; it was a service demanding significant server resources for processing and data storage.

Key Takeaway: Be prepared for the potential termination of any service that exhibits stagnation and lacks strategic importance to its parent company, regardless of the provider.