With cloud computing and Web 2.0 being all the rage in today’s tech world, it’s no surprise that somewhere would emerge a product that utilizes both technologies. Introducing WebOS, “a software platform that interacts with the user through a web browser and does not depend on any particular local operating system”. What does that mean? It basically means that you can run a desktop through a browser, almost like remoting into your computer, except this “desktop” is hosted by the provider.

Although I was familiar with the concept of WebOS, I never really paid much attention to it until a friend brought it up and said he’d be playing around with Cloudo. I decided to see what the craze was all about. After viewing a demo of Cloudo, I must say I’m impressed by the concept and see where it could eventually lead. I don’t think WebOS would ever completely replace personal or work computers, but I do foresee WebOS being a great collaboration tool. It reminds a little of Facebook, but on steroids. In addition to photos, you can store documents, music and all other files in a file system structure like your current desktop. Since everything is online, documents and files can easily be shared between friends or colleagues.  And the best part is, Cloudo features an open platform, so developers can develop their own apps or widgets, which can also be shared.

Although some of the security concerns involving WebOS may not make it immediately practical for enterprise use, what if enterprise versions of WebOS became available? Enterprises could build their own custom WebOS tailored to their business and only allow employees, customers, and partners access. It would behave similar to portals, but on steroids.