zoho.com

Intended Audience
People interested in both free web-based programs, especially uncommonly supported types.
This site has deployed options that other sites charge a monthly fee for...like a personal online database....
Usefulness of Content
Very useful! It offers not only the typical online applications (word-processor, spreadsheet, presentation), but also allows users to design databases, Customer Relations Management tools, Project Management; personalized surveys, etc. all for FREE.
It is not only beneficial to those looking for free application, but also to those interested in deploying a dynamic data repository that allows updates and reports on the fly.
Design Consistency
The layout and color-choices remind me of Google. On a similar plain, the user is not bombarded with info. It has a toolbar that stays the same within an application, though it is not completely intuitive; that toolbar might have options that, when clicked, completely remove the user from the application and replaces the application toolbar with one that references that application, but is completely different than the prio. Each application looks pretty different from any other, even within the toolbar area. Though, in that defense, if a user has used a similar app on their home-pc, he/she is likely familiar with the options and layout.
Worst of all, it offers no consistent ‘anything’; it should at least leave the ZOHO logo in the upper left, that links back to the user’s main-page…but no. If you are lucky enough to see the logo, try to click it…uh oh, it’s not a link, just a pretty picture.
The closest thing to sanity I have found within the site, is that “My Account” is on most pages and clicking that will get you to a normal navigation bar where you can get to the ‘home’ area where you can select new applications and such.
Ease of Use
Pros:
Simple
Doesn’t require any new skills for using the applications themselves
Applications where you design your own interface are drag & drop
Cons:
In addition to the crazy navigation noted under ‘Design Consistency’, even though some applications are in the same domain (zoho.com), some require the user to develop a new logon/password to access those areas. That can quickly limit a user’s patience. Imagine having to have a separate logon to Google for your personalized homepage; email; etc. That will not keep customers around very long.