Why "Everything through HTTP/HTML"?!?

Question

Wouldn't it be better if we could have some specialized clients rather than one web client (browser)? We have email clients, news readers (NNTP clients) still in wide use, although we could provide the same service through HTTP gateway (web-based email access and Google groups). Client machines are getting powerful everyday. We can make use of client machines to serve better.

I couldn’t justify why thin client based spread sheet like solutions.

I think we have the following things to be considered in terms of specialized clients. These things could be better integrated with the browser (?).

1. Accessing webpage index
2. Accessing online evolvable content
3. Accessing shared contents
4. Accessing weather reports
5. Accessing various feeds
6. etc. (This one is really important)

I am not against HTTP/HTML/DOM; they are so good and capable of delivering things, but everything through HTTP/HTML seems...

Answer 1

There are some specialized clients. However, if you wish to ensure the widest accessibility, you can't beat HTTP. With plug-ins and java apps all of that stuff is already integrated with the browser. However, many companies that offer them also include spam-ware, ad-ware, and other malware. So, it is generally safest to just go through the HTTP interface control what is installed on your desktop.