Online docs system

Adobe Systems has acquired Virtual Ubiquity, the parent company of the Buzzword web-based word processing software. Buzzword was built using Adobe Flex and runs in the Adobe Flash Player, making it a logical fit for the software company. Additionally, users can use Buzzword both online and offline using Adobe AIR. Much like Google Docs and Zoho, Buzzword also includes features for collaboration and sharing documents. The founders of the company will be joining Adobe as part of the deal. Financial terms were not disclosed. The deal comes on the heals of the company announcing the ***

It’s being said that Adobe may be entering the realm of office applications. This is something Adobe hasn’t done, and to many, it may seem like the wrong direction to go in. Seems like everyone is moving towards web-based applications, right? Well, Adobe, as we all know, has its new AIR product, which lets you build web applications that also work on the desktop. This offers offline access and online integration. The competitive advantage for Adobe is that it has an edge over both software-based companies like Microsoft, as well as Ajax web-based apps like Google docs and Zoho. As Adobe is also offering a platform for the creation of applications with AIR, this gives Adobe a leading advantage as well. ***

Google is apparently working on a Powerpoint killer called Presently to go along with its word processor (formerly known as Writely) and its spreadsheet app. This is according to a post on the Googlesystem blog (via TechCrunch). This is a surprise to no one. Google has been adding basic productivity applications to its suite of online services relentlessly, and there"s no reason to expect the company to stop. The evidence. ***