Writely - The Web Word Processor

One of the most exciting things happening on the web these days is called "Web 2.0". Basically, it's a technology that take webpages one step further, from being purely informative documents, to contain entire applications without consuming too much bandwidth. Gmail is an example of such an application, an online e-mail client that interacts without having to load pages for each time you click on something.

Another such example is Writely. It's a word processor, like Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, OpenOffice and others, but it's all online. The application operates inside your browser, and your files are stored on a secure internet server, allowing you to access them at home, at work and on vacation in Brazil. No effort involved. You can collaborate on documents with friends, co-students or colleagues, and export your work in a number of formats on a number of locations. I'm still not done exploring all the possibilities.

With increasing availability of wired and wireless internet connections, and the increasingly portable nature of our digital daily life, the Web 2.0 is surely going to give the classical computer application a run for the money, and I'm not complaining!

Google Labs recently acquired this company, and closed down the BETA to become invite only (like Gmail). Thanks to our friends at Googlified, I've managed to get an account. So if you want an invitation, leave your e-mail address in a comment, and I'll send you one.

Tags: invite, web 2.0, ajax