World's First Web-Based Operating System, myWebOS, Goes Live With Profound Implications for the Software Industry; MyWebOS Secures $10 Million in Venture Funding - Company Business and Marketing

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, Dec 6, 1999

myWebOS.com Tuesday launched the world's first Web-based operating system, myWebOS (www.mywebos.com).

For the first time, Internet users can access data and files in a traditional windows-like environment using myWebOS, without the hassle and expense of installing individual applications on a user's computer.

As a true Web operating system, myWebOS goes beyond client-server configurations by utilizing the Internet as the network to offer users reduced IT maintenance costs, universal access to data, and improved speed and performance in remote computing through a single mobile environment.

In addition to cost efficiencies, myWebOS provides users with unmatched speed and performance because the Web-based operating system's speed does not rely on the Internet connection or CPU performance.

"myWebOS's bright idea of a Web-based operating system that enables a new class of high performance applications, shared between the browser and the Web server, could set free a whole new set of desktop productivity applications," said Amy D. Wohl, president of Wohl Associates, experts of technology and office environments. "Since we've been watching software begin to reinvent itself, myWebOS could be an excellent basis for a new desktop paradigm."

Currently, myWebOS offers Hyperoffice 2000, an office productivity suite that includes Hyperword, the first free Web-based word processor, email, calendar, and contact management, as well as other business-oriented applications. myWebOS will also include business-to-business applications from a variety of e-commerce and business application industry leaders.

As new strategic relationships are forged and developers create new software, additional software offerings will be available. myWebOS can be accessed by businesses for internal use, or resold to end users through ISPs (Internet Service Providers) and ASPs (Application Service Providers).

"myWebOS embodies our vision of democratizing the software market for end users," said Shervin Pishevar, president and CEO, myWebOS.com. "Until now, software has only been available through expensive purchases, regardless of how often it's used. With myWebOS, current applications are free, and future applications will be purchased on a `per use' basis, much like a public utility. This means even the smallest company can access affordable software. The software marketplace will never be the same."

Venture Funding Conceived in early 1998 by Shervin Pishevar, Drew Morris, and Fredrik Malmer, the myWebOS operating system has the potential to profoundly affect the way software is accessed and purchased.

The company has been privately funded since its inception, and recently secured more than $10 million from The Grotech Capital Group, Adam Dell's Impact Venture Partners, and Orion Capital. myWebOS represents the first investment by Impact Venture Partners.

"Software is migrating from the desktop environment onto the Web, and myWebOS is uniquely positioned to drive that migration," said Frank Adams, president and CEO of the Grotech Capital Group. "We recognize the potential for myWebOS to impact how software is accessed and purchased."

Strategic Relationships In addition to Hyperoffice 2000, myWebOS will offer a broad array of B2B applications from specialized providers. These companies and offerings include:

-- Dialpad.com offers free long distance service from any computer to any telephone in the U.S. via the Web;

-- Employease, Inc. provides the leading Internet business service for managing human resources, benefits, and payroll information;

-- On The Go Software's ExpensAble.com for business travel and expense management;

-- Orbit Commerce, Inc.'s turnkey e-commerce solution that allows businesses to build and manage their own Web site or online storefront, requiring only a Web browser and a few clicks of a mouse;

-- Voice Mobility, Inc.'s e-go unified messaging software enables consumers to review, store, and manage their voicemails, faxes, and email using a personal computer, a wireless device, or the telephone

In addition, myWebOS expects to work with additional strategic partners to deploy many other applications over the Web.

Developers' Network myWebOS provides a complete set of Application Programmers Interfaces (APIs) that enables developers to create new, custom applications and to easily port Web-based applications to myWebOS. To support myWebOS's application development, myWebOS.com has formed a dedicated developer community of more than 10,000 participants.

Developers' white papers, best practices, and bulletin boards will be available to facilitate the creation of robust applications for the enterprise. The Developers' Network will expand as more users adopt myWebOS as their operating system of choice.

Based in Baltimore, Maryland, myWebOS.com was founded in February 1998 by Shervin Pishevar, CEO and president, and Drew Morris, Chief Technology Officer. myWebOS.com has developed a Web-based next-generation operating system that has taken the concept of "network computing" to the next level.