eyeOS

eyeOS was a pioneering cloud computing startup that developed a web-based operating system, providing a virtual desktop environment accessible from any web browser. The company was founded in Olesa de Montserrat, Spain, in 2005 by teenagers Pau Garcia-Milà and Marc Cercós. The initial idea stemmed from their need as high school students to access their files from different locations without carrying them on physical storage.

The first public version, eyeOS 0.6.0, was released on August 1, 2005, as an open-source project under the GNU GPL license. The project quickly garnered a worldwide community of developers who contributed to its translation, testing, and development. Written primarily in PHP, XML, and JavaScript, eyeOS allowed users to upload files and work with them remotely, offering applications like a word processor, address book, and PDF reader. It delivered a complete desktop experience from the cloud, including file management, personal information management tools, and collaborative features. Users could either use the software from a browser with a free account or install it on their own server for total control.

The company evolved, releasing numerous versions with enhanced features such as compatibility with Microsoft Office and OpenOffice.org file formats, a rewritten file manager, and a mobile version. A significant shift occurred in September 2011 with the launch of the eyeOS Professional Edition, a commercial product targeting businesses. This edition included enterprise-focused features like file synchronization (eyeSync), Active Directory/LDAP connectivity, and system-wide administration controls. After version 2.5, released in May 2011, the company moved from an open-source to a proprietary license model.

On April 1, 2014, Spanish telecommunications giant Telefónica acquired eyeOS to bolster its mobile cloud services and develop free software solutions. Following the acquisition, eyeOS continued to operate as an independent subsidiary led by CEO Michel Kisfaludi, with its headquarters remaining in Barcelona. The goal was to leverage eyeOS's technology for desktop virtualization (VDI) services, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and public administrations. However, the business line did not meet expectations, and after facing financial difficulties and accumulating losses, Telefónica ceased commercializing eyeOS products in late 2016. In June 2017, eyeOS was formally absorbed by Telefónica Investigación y Desarrollo and dissolved.

Keywords: eyeOS, cloud computing, web desktop, virtual desktop, WebOS, open source, Pau Garcia-Milà, Marc Cercós, Telefónica, private cloud, desktop virtualization, VDI, cloud OS, web-based operating system, PHP, online desktop, cloud storage, collaborative tools, remote access, software as a service, SaaS