Typekit takes a cloud-based approach to fonts on the web, serving up an extensive library of designer fonts that be incorporated into a site simply by dropping in a line of code. We first wrote about it back in May when the project was first announced, and now the service is live.
What that means is web designers can get easy access to creative fonts without having to spend the time preparing images or Flash files to render them, ideally resulting in time and cost savings in the design stage. It should also provide a more lightweight experience for your web server, because it won't have to serve up the comparatively heavyweight image or Flash files to render a variety of design-quality fonts.
It also means all that text will be searchable and indexable by Google instead of locked up in an image or Flash file. That means a search engine optimization boost could be in store for sites that opt for Typekit, as well as better accessibility which makes for improved user experience.
The caveat attached to all the benefits is that only browsers that support the CSS @font-face rule will be able to serve Typekit's fonts. That means support is limited to Firefox 3.5 and up, Safari 3.4 and up, and Internet Explorer version 5 and up. That could rule out its adoption by webmasters whose sites must support older and legacy browsers.
Typekit is employing a freemium business model, with a non-expiring "Trial" tier you can access for free with certain limitations (5 GB monthly bandwidth, smaller font selection, only 1 site and 2 fonts per site supported, and a Typekit badge required). Personal plans start at $24.99 per year with two more tiers above that and negotiable enterprise pricing available as well.
What do you think of the cloud-based approach to font serving? For the web designers and developers in the house, is this a service that tempts you? Why or why not?
Reviews: Firefox, Google, Internet Explorer, Safari
Tags: accessibility, cloud computing, CSS, fonts, typekit, web, web design
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