Run OpenOffice.org 3.0 in your browser with Ulteo

Filed under: Internet, Linux, Office, Web

Run OpenOffice.org 3.0 in your browser with Ulteo

by Brad Linder Oct 31st 2008

Want to check out OpenOffice.org 3.0 but don't want to download the 142MB installer just to see if you like it? No problem. You can run it in a web browser thanks to Ulteo.

Ulteo takes an interesting approach to online desktop and office suites. Unlike other online desktops that offer some storage space and a few simple, browser based apps, Ulteo offers access to a virtual Linux-based operating system complete with a desktop and full Linux apps like OpenOffice.org. In other words, you get a lot more features from Ulteo than you do from Google Docs, Zoho Office, or EyeOS.

On the other hand, Ulteo relies on Java, takes a while to launch, and has a freemium model. You get 1GB of storage space for free, but sessions are limited to 25 minutes. If you want more storage space or more time per session, you have to pony up some cash for a subscription.

I first looked at Ulteo last year when the company began offering access to OpenOffice.org 2.3. While it's nice to see that Ulteo is continuing to develop its technology, some of my initial complaints still stand. It's a bit awkward to switch between program windows. And it takes too long to load. But if you're just looking for a way to check out OpenOffice.org 3.0 before you download it, Ulteo will let you do that. Or if you want to be able to access OpenOffice.org and your saved documents on any computer with a web browser and Java, Ulteo may be for you.

Tags: office, openoffice.org, openoffice.org-3.0, ulteo

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Aalaap said 8:49AM on 11-01-2008

This is a very interesting way to demo or preview an application.

To prevent piracy by means of cracks and keygens, software developers can let prospective customers use a fully functional software application via a terminal window like Ulteo does for OpenOffice.org, and then decide if they want to actually buy and download the full version or receive it on disc.

jfjb said 7:28PM on 11-05-2008

I believe that "local" apps will be obsolete very soon.
Everything happens on web2, access is the key point.
Perhaps that demoing on the web à la Ulteo is going a step ahead to the future, as the 3.5 diskettes were to 8" and 5.25 floppies, as were CDs to floppies.
My take.

jfjb said 9:02AM on 11-01-2008

who works only 25 minutes?

Oh... you can work 20 minutes for free!!!
Is it per day or at a time?

Only in America... :-))

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