Writely

Writely was a web-based word processor that allowed users to create, edit, format, and store documents in the cloud via a standard web browser. It emphasized online collaboration, letting users share documents and invite others to edit or view in real time, with documents stored on remote servers rather than on local devices. Writely supported importing and exporting common formats such as HTML and Microsoft Word, and provided basic formatting tools and a browser-based editing experience without requiring installed software.

Writely was developed by Upstartle and launched in the mid-2000s as part of the emerging cloud-based productivity movement. In 2006, Google acquired Writely for a reported sum of around $25 million. The acquisition enabled Google to accelerate its cloud-based office suite, and Writely's technology formed the foundation of Google Docs and Spreadsheets. Google Docs & Spreadsheets was released in 2006, later rebranded simply as Google Docs, with continued emphasis on browser-based document creation, sharing, and collaboration across devices.

After the acquisition, the Writely service was gradually phased out as Google migrated users to the Docs platform. The Writely project is generally regarded as a milestone in the evolution of online word processing and cloud-based productivity tools, illustrating a shift from desktop-first software to browser-based, collaborative document editing.