1. A method for providing an application canvas framework which facilitates the manipulation of text and graphics within a web browser, the method comprising: receiving a command from a user at a web browser to execute a web-based application; in response to the command, loading the web-based application which includes an application canvas framework within the web browser, wherein the application canvas framework provides a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that facilitates the manipulation of text and graphics within the web browser; and wherein the application canvas framework can be browser independent and/or platform independent.