If files could package and pass around metadata in the same way they pass around data, I might agree with Dare's conclusion. However, for me, metadata is becoming too important and has destroyed the utility of files (and pure data) being truly useful.
Example: Photos. The file is the photo. However, think of all the things besides that: face tags, text tags, album, ratings, etc. If you've ever tried to import 5GB of photos from iPhoto to Picasa (or vice-versa) you'll understand what I mean.
This is why "stuff in the cloud" is so useful: API support is there from day 1 so that you always know what CAN be exported and how.
Example: Photos. The file is the photo. However, think of all the things besides that: face tags, text tags, album, ratings, etc. If you've ever tried to import 5GB of photos from iPhoto to Picasa (or vice-versa) you'll understand what I mean.
This is why "stuff in the cloud" is so useful: API support is there from day 1 so that you always know what CAN be exported and how.