LibreOffice is probably the most popular open source document editing software out there at the moment. It is a local solution, which means that you need to install it on your devices to use it.
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ZetaOffice is a relatively new online service that brings the Office suite to the web. Desktop versions for Windows and Linux are also available, but these are in beta right now. The developers plan to release mobile versions in the future as well.
It is developed by Allotropia. The Allotropia website lists “services, consulting, and products around LibreOffice and related opensource projects” as the work focus.
ZetaOffice Online
Right now, ZetaOffice Online supports Writer, Calc, and Impress. You can head over to the official website and try the linked demos there to see how it works.
You may note that the demos are quite memory hungry. The Writer demo used about 1.4 gigabytes of memory when I tried it, which is a lot. Some demos almost locked the page when I started them.
The functionality of LibreOffice appears to be there. There does not seem to be a registration option on the website at this point. In fact, no information about using ZetaOffice with your own documents is provided.
The website offers some information on the business plan and functionality though:
- ZetaOffice is provided as a self-hosted version and a paid version that runs on high performance servers.
- The service is in open beta right now.
Closing Words
If you find the idea of having access to LibreOffice on a website appealing, then you may want to keep an eye on the project. It is in beta right now and it may take a while before it exits the beta phase.
No word yet on pricing, which surely has the power to make or break the project. Still, it is interesting to see that projects like it exist.
Do you use LibreOffice? Would you use ZetaOffice or another service that brings the open source suite to the web? Feel free to leave a comment down below.
I just cannot imagine using whatever Web service to manage confidential data.
To be frank I’ve never understood the pertinence of such services, not only in terms of privacy but as well in those of convenience when it is so easy, obvious IMO to have a desktop application do the work, easy in terms of resources as well.
I’m reluctant to consider a PC as a terminal connected 24/7 to the cloud and have (all) basic features normally and since always managed locally. But maybe am I too old to consider such a future.
I’m with Tom on this one.
I can’t comprehend why anyone would trust an unknown.