Google (news, site) has been on-and-off with offline support in Google Docs. While the cloud service used to have limited offline functionality with Google Gears, it seems Google is adamant at enabling full offline capabilities through HTML 5 and various other technologies, which will enhance the value of its recently released Chromebooks.
At present, users can already gain offline access to documents, although the interface is not exactly what you would expect of a cloud service. Google’s own Cloud Connect syncs documents, presentations and spreadsheets with Microsoft Office applications. Microsoft is also about to launch Office 365, which will provide similar functionality. But what about folks who don’t have a desktop-based office or productivity suite, such as Chrome OS or other cloud-based operating systems?
via Google Docs Offline Support Confirmed, Will Make Chromebooks More Functional.