Workspot Explained

Workspot was the first Linux desktop Web Service, i.e. it provided open source personal computing without computer ownership.[1] [2] Founded by Greg Bryant, Gal Cohen, Kathy Giori, Curt Brune, Benny Soetarman, Bruce Robertson, and Asao Kamei,[3] in 1999, it was the first application service to make use of Virtual Network Computing. Workspot also hosted a free Linux Desktop demo using VNC: 'one-click to Linux'[4] It eventually began to charge for a remote, web-accessible, persistent desktop, and several desktop collaboration features.[5] Workspot won Linux Journal's Best Web Application award for 2000.[6] [7] Badly hit by the dotcom crash, it ceased activity by 2005.[8]

Workspot was based in downtown Palo Alto, California during the dotcom boom, and funded its free desktop service through wireless contracting: they may have been the first mobile web app shop, involved in creating the first mobile apps for Google, eBay, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Metro Traffic etc., as well as client-server software for OmniSky and Palm.[9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15]

Workspot released AES encryption patches for VNC.

Workspot's domain and name was sold in 2013 to Workspot, Inc.

Notes and References

  1. News: Gulker. Chris. Immortal Machines. The Independent. February 28, 2000. https://web.archive.org/web/20121206050117/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/analysis-and-features/everything-you-ever-wanted-on-an-immortal-machine-709736.html. dead. December 6, 2012.
  2. News: Cohen. Eileen. Linux-friendly ASP surfaces. CNN. April 10, 2000.
  3. Tina Gasperson, linux.com (January 23, 2003) Workspot Linux
  4. News: Lord. Timothy. Workspot Offers Free Web-based Linux Accounts. Slashdot. March 20, 2000.
  5. News: Varghese. Sam. Available Now in a Browser Near You. Sydney Morning Herald. January 30, 2003.
  6. Web site: Linux Journal: Linux Journal and LINUX Business Expo Post Winners of Second Annual Penguin Playoffs. Linux Today. 5 May 2013.
  7. News: Marti. Don. Spotlight on the Winners: WorkSpot. 5 May 2013. Linux Journal. November 29, 2000.
  8. Web site: Happening People. Eugene Weekly. September 18, 2008.
  9. Web site: Workspot selected by Omnisky. Businesswire. July 25, 2000.
  10. Web site: Omnisky selects Google. Google, Inc.. May 3, 2000.
  11. Web site: eBay goes Wireless. eBay, Inc.. October 4, 1999.
  12. Web site: OmniSky: Google's first mobile product.
  13. Web site: eBay's first mobile application.
  14. Web site: The first Location Based Service.
  15. Web site: Barnes & Noble Mobile Initiative. Barnes & Noble. May 2, 2000.

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