Photoshop Launches Free Web Version.

This could be a new tool for you in your efforts at discovering digital photograph on the basic level.

Photoshop has gone free. Well not really. On Thursday March 27, 2008 Photoshop launched a free web-based version. However this is not the full Photoshop version.

This version is an entry-level hosted version. It is free and has many features for editing.

It is not a replacement for the more sophisticated tools currently in Photoshop’s inventory – like the full version of Photoshop or Photoshop Elements.

But Photoshop expects to capitalize on the revenue that will be coming from online advertising and boost its name recognition by entering the realm of those consumers who like to edit, store and share photos online.

Thus, Photoshop will enter a market where companies like Shutterfly Inc., Picnik, Photobucket Inc. and others have had a presence for years.

Unlike Photoshop which is designed for professionals an others who are willing to tackle the stiff learning curve, Photoshop Express is designed to be easier to learn.

Photoshop Express is launched as a beta test version. Upgrades will be made taking user comments into account to improve the application and make future upgrades.

This will be a totally web-based application. Consumers can use it by signing up at http://www.photoshop.com/express

Since web-based applications are becoming more and more popular, Adobe wants to get involved in this market. In doing so, they are entering the area several years after several other companies like the ones mentioned above.

Also, Google and Microsoft have been offering web-based services for several years. Are there going to be some big fights in the future as all of these and others battle for a prominent spot in the web-based service market.

Ron Glaz, a research analyst at IDC, says the move was necessary for Adobe to keep pace. Users are less likely to switch to software they aren’t familiar with, he said.

“They have a whole market that they are missing out on, and they need to make sure that the market is aware there is a Photoshop solution for them. As that market grows and becomes more sophisticated, hopefully it will generate money,” Glaz said.

“It’s one of those things, if you can’t beat them, join them,” Glaz said. “If they don’t join them, the long run could be really painful.”

Adobe says that part of its strategy is to get people to upgrade to Photoshop Elements, which sells for $99.

Another possible upgrade route could be to a future release of a Photoshop Express subscription-based version that Photoshop is working on.

There will be much more about this launch over the next several days and months. It will be interesting to see how well the photo editing capabilities of Photoshop Express meet the needs of consumers. However, it looks like a great free start at the editing of your own photographs.

You can check out Photoshop Express at: http://www.photoshop.com/express