The web-based word processing program called Writely has recently been enhanced with the capability to convert documents to Adobe Systems’ format, along with support for OpenDocument and Rich Text Format.
Writely, developed by Upstartle (USA), functions as a platform for storing, editing, and sharing text documents. This site enables users to upload Microsoft Word documents and then convert them to HTML.
“Users just need to find the ‘Save as PDF’ button in the editor,” Claudia Carpenter, co-founder of Upstartle, explains. She also mentioned that in the long run, the company plans to charge for the use of Writely.
Currently, Writely boasts around 70,000 users. “Although we just launched in August, we are close to reaching 100,000, and the company hopes to attract 1 million subscribers by the end of this month,” Carpenter stated.
Writely also supports OpenDocument, an open document format backed by numerous companies, including IBM and Sun Microsystems.
Upstartle is among the companies exploring ways to bring applications to the web, including Microsoft. Many of these companies are utilizing advanced Ajax programming software to provide interactivity and real-time data updates that were not feasible in earlier generations of web services.
These small companies are being closely watched by industry giants like Google, Yahoo, and Microsoft. The online bookmark sharing service Del.icio.us was acquired by Yahoo over the weekend for an undisclosed amount.
