Google Reopens Writely

Google has reportedly reopened its online word processor, Writely, to new users. Developed by software development company Upstartle, Writely was bought over by search giant Google in March but had been closed to all but its existing members. Now Google has reportedly reopened the hosted word-processing package to enable all Internet users to edit and publish documents online. There has been no formal announcement by Google although there is a mention in Writely’s own blog, perhaps to prevent a rush of sign ups.

Writely is intended mainly for use by the online blogging community such as Blogger, LiveWire and Blogware, offering unlimited storage with a 500K limit per file. The software can also import and export in a number of commonly used formats including Microsoft Word, RTF and OpenOffice.

Although rival Microsoft launched its own Writer online word processor last week, sources claim that the hosted players aren’t interested in competing directly with Microsoft’s Live Writer but in filling a niche the software giant is reluctant to move into.

Access Writely here.