Web desktop
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A web desktop or webtop is a network application system for integrating web applications into a web based work space. It is a virtual desktop on the web, running in a web browser as software.
Web desktops often are characterized by an environment similar to that of Windows, Mac, or Linux, but are now considered to have much more functionality being dependent on the internet. Typical benefits include the ability to save work and settings over the internet rather than to the local desktop.
Contents |
[edit] History
The term Webtop was first introduced by the Santa Cruz Operation (SCO) in 1993 for a web-based interface to their UNIX operating system. Andy Bovingdon and Ronald Record, who both explored the concepts in different directions, are often credited as the inventors.[citation needed] The concept and technology originated from early commercial use of web server technology by SCO (SCO was the first OS vendor to include a web server), their X.desktop product line (obtained when they acquired IXI Limited in the UK, which was the first to have icons for URLs and an HTML-based help system) and the later Tarantella remote desktop technology which allowed real UNIX and Windows applications to be displayed within a web browser through the use of Java to form a true web based desktop or Webtop. [1]
[edit] Webtop versus Desktop
Advantages
- Access to a personalized desktop from any internet enabled device on any platform.
- No need to install applications.
- Application sharing among users located at different remote locations.
Drawbacks
- Security: Due to the fact that all data is tranferred over the internet, it might be possible that a hacker intercepts the connection and reads data. Although with the use of https 256 bit encryption, this can be easily safe-guarded.
- High speed internet: When using a web based desktop, the whole code used for visualisation (.js/.css files, flash player files, etc.) needs to be transferred to the local computer, so that it can be displayed.
[edit] Comparison of web desktops
The following tables compare general and technical information for a number of web desktops. Please see the individual products' articles for further information and external links. This article is not all-inclusive or necessarily up-to-date.
| Name | Developer | Engine | Free | Support external applications | Graphical User Interface |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| theWebtop | Atlantis Computing | AJAX | Yes (Beta) | Yes | Tab-based |
| DesktopTwo | Sapotek | Flash | Yes (Proprietary) | No | Windows-like |
| eDeskOnline | eDesk Online Pvt. Ltd. | AJAX | For 3 months, then $24/year | Yes | Windows-like |
| EyeOS | eyeOS Team | AJAX | Yes (Open Source GPL) | Yes | Mac-like |
| Fenestela (French) | Websilog SARL | AJAX | No | Yes | Windows-like |
| G.ho.st | Ghost Inc | Flash | Yes | Yes | Windows-like |
| Goowy | Goowy Media, Inc. | Flash | Yes (Proprietary) | No | Windows+Mac-like |
| yourminis | Goowy Media, Inc. | Flash | Yes (Proprietary) | No | Tab-based |
| Ironbox | Oaesys Corp | AJAX | Yes/Subscription | Yes | Windows-like |
| Protopage | Protopage | AJAX | Yes | Yes | Tab-based |
| Purefect | Klorofil Project/Saltanera | PHP + AJAX | Yes (Open Source CPL) | Yes | Windows+Mac-like |
| Sea Drive | SEA Corporation | PHP + AJAX | Yes (Subscription Upgrades) | Yes | Windows+Mac-like |
| Virtual-OS | Advanced Webhosting Network | PHP + AJAX | Yes (Open Source MIT) | Yes | Windows-like |
| WebtopOS | WebtopOS Inc. | AJAX/J2EE | Yes (paid plan in development) | Yes | Windows-like |
| XinDesk | XIN | AJAX | Invitation Only (alpha) | Yes | Windows-like |
| YouOS | WebShaka, Inc. | AJAX | Yes (Proprietary) | Yes | OS/2-like |
| Netvibes | Netvibes Team | AJAX | Yes (Proprietary) | Yes | Tab-based |
| Oos | iCUBE | AJAX | Yes (Proprietary API: reBOX) | Yes | Windows 2000-like |
| Orca Desktop | Team Orca/Fenestela | AJAX | Yes (Proprietary) | Yes | Windows-like |
| ESuite | Imagine | AJAX/.NET | No | Yes | Windows-like |
| Virtual OS | Virtual OS | PHP | No | Yes | Tab-Based |
| DoxBoard | DoxBoard | AJAX | Yes | Yes | Mac-like |
| Desktop On Demand | Desktop On Demand | Java / NX | Yes (Beta, By Invitation Only) | No | Linux+Windows-like |
[edit] See also
[edit] References
The Next Net 25: The Webtop - Mar. 1, 2006
