Top 5 Web and Internet OSs for Enterprises in 2023

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An operating system (OS) is software that manages a computer’s hardware and software resources, enabling users to interact with the computer, manage systems files, install software, and execute programs.

A web operating system (also known as a webtop or dummy OS) is an internet-based user interface that enables users to access and use various applications and services through the cloud without installing software on their local computers. 

Web OSs provide users many features and capabilities, including file storage and management, online collaboration tools, email, media playback, and productivity applications. With these OSs, users can perform various tasks, such as creating documents, editing images, and accessing files. They also typically support multi-user access, allowing multiple users to collaborate on the same documents and projects in real time.

Here are our picks for the top web and internet OS software:

  • SilveOS: Best for ease of use
  • OSv: Best for virtual machines
  • ChromeOS: Best for enterprises and dedicated Chromebooks
  • Xcerion: Best for developers and file storage
  • LucidLink: Best for remote teams

Top web & internet OSs software comparison

Best forBrowser supportOffline functionsNotable appsStarting price
SilveOSEase of useYesNoCalculator, Map, Word ProcessingFree
OSvVirtual machinesYesNoApps written in Java, C, Ruby, and moreFree
ChromeOSEnterprises, ChromebooksYesYesGmail, YouTube, Play StoreFree
XcerionDevelopers and cloud storageYesYesCalendar, Contacts, NotesFree (premium options available)
LucidLinkRemote TeamsYesYesCAD/CAM models$20 per TB per month

Jump to:

SilveOS icon

SilveOS

Best for: Ease of use

SilveOS is a web-based OS that runs directly in a web browser. It’s based on Silverlight technology, a web application framework developed by Microsoft.

All you need to do is log in to the website on your device browser, and you can access applications and functions such as a file manager, calculator, YouTube, web browser, and media player.

SilveOS desktop environment.
Image: SilveOS Desktop Environment

SilveOS has a Windows-like user interface, as it’s meant to provide a familiar and easy-to-use interface for users familiar with the Windows OS. The SilveOS desktop environment features a taskbar, start menu, and desktop icons, all typical Windows desktop elements. 

SilveOS was initially released in May 2008 as Windows4all.com; in November of the same year, it was renamed SilveOS (SilverLight Operating System).

Pricing

SilveOS is free to use.

Features

  • Built-in apps such as calculator, YouTube, Doc, spreadsheet, Map, Solitaire, and more.
  • Features a desktop, start menu, taskbar, and sidebar widgets.
  • Option to install or uninstall applications.
  • Users can personalize the SilveOS environment by changing the wallpaper and theme color.
  • The latest version was built on Vuejs.

Pros

  • No registration required.
  • Easy to use.

Cons

  • Application support limited to SilverLight-based apps.
OSv logo

OSv 

Best for: Virtual machines

OSv is a cloud-optimized OS developed by Cloudius Systems (now ScyllaDB). It’s an open source modular unikernel built to run a single unmodified Linux application as a microVM on top of a hypervisor. Its modular architecture enables users to select and include only the components necessary for their specific applications, which can help reduce its footprint and improve performance.

OSv dashboard.
Image: OSv Dashboard

One of the key features of OSv is its ability to run Java applications natively without requiring a full Java Virtual Machine (JVM). This is accomplished through a custom runtime environment called Capstan.

Pricing

OSv is a free and open source tool. Users can download OSv and run it locally or in the cloud via Amazon EC2 (elastic compute cloud) or Google Compute Engine (GCE).

Features

  • Includes the Jolokia JMX connector, an HTTP/JSON bridge for remote JMX access.
  • Supports various language runtimes, including unmodified JVM, Python 2 and 3, Node.JS, Ruby, and Erlang.
  • OS instances are deployable from a developer IDE or through a continuous integration system.
  • Can run applications written in languages compiling directly to native machine code, such as  C, C++, Golang, and Rust.

Pros

  • Offers an optional in-browser dashboard.
  • OSv can be used for horizontal scaling.
  • Fast boot time.

Cons

  • OSv is designed to run only one application at a time.
Google Chrome logo

ChromeOS

Best for: Enterprises and dedicated Chromebooks

ChromeOS is a Linux-based, lightweight, web-based OS developed by Google on its open-source Chromium OS platform. It’s designed to work primarily with web apps and Chromebooks. It’s built around the Google Chrome web browser, uses the web browser as its primary interface, and is designed to provide users with a simple, secure, and fast computing experience. 

ChromeOS comes preinstalled on Chromebooks, but it’s also available as the web-based ChromeOS Flex for Windows and Mac PCs.

Google ChromeOS environment.
Image: Google ChromeOS Environment

ChromeOS is optimized for the web, with most apps and documents in the cloud. It also includes integrated media players, file managers, and access to the Google Play Store for downloading Android apps.

Pricing

ChromeOS (including ChromeOS Flex) is a free, open-source OS. 

Features

  • Access to Google Play Store.
  • Supports offline functions like document editing and viewing email.
  • Comes preinstalled on Chromebooks and can run free on Windows and Mac with only a USB drive.

Pros

  • Lightweight open source.
  • Speedy boot: it can boot up in as fast as five seconds.

Cons

  • Locked into Google Chrome browser.
  • Not great for privacy, as Google collects all user data.
Xcerion logo

Xcerion

Best for: Developers and file storage

Xcerion is a Swedish software company founded in 2001 by Daniel Arthursson. Xcerion’s CloudTop is a virtual desktop web OS that provides users with an online computer you can access from anywhere with an internet connection. To use CloudTop, users must create a free account with CloudMe, another Xcerion product that provides secure cloud storage for files and media.

Xcerion currently operates as a holding company for its cloud computing products. The company offers various services, such as cloud storage via CloudMe, database-as-a-service in the cloud via CloudBackend, and an edge application platform via its XML Internet OS (XIOS/3) for developers to build web apps. 

Xcerion is also known for being the inventor of MyCloud and iCloud. iCloud was sold to Apple in 2011.

Pricing

Users can sign up and use some Xcerion products for free. However, CloudMe also offers premium versions for additional storage. The premium plans have sub-plans in two editions, Consumer and Business. Both offer monthly or yearly subscription models.

Here are the full details of CloudMe’s pricing plans:

Consumer plans

Max storageMax file sizeCost per monthCost per year
Free Plan3GB150MBFreeFree
Start Plan25GBUnlimited€4€40
Small Plan100GBUnlimited€8€80
Standard Plan200GBUnlimited€14€140
Large Plan500GBUnlimited€30€300

Enterprise plans

Max storageMax file sizeAdd’l users (100GB/ea.)Cost per monthCost per year
Team Plan1TB2GB5€149€1,490
Business Plan2TB2GB15€279€2,790
Enterprise Plan5TB2GB50€759€7,590

Features

  • Serves as a shared workspace for enterprise teams.
  • Low-code and edge/client-side application server XIOS/3.
  • Cloud storage service.

Pros

  • Its XIOS/3 product helps speed up web application development.
  • Enhances team collaboration.

Cons

  • Users may find it difficult to determine the best product for their use case. 
LucidLink logo

LucidLink

Best for: Remote teams

Though not technically a web OS, LucidLink provides some of the same advantages by letting creative and remote teams access, share, and collaborate on projects in real time without downloading and syncing media locally. Companies can buy filespace on the cloud and assign secure access to their teams across the world.

LucidLink interface.
Image: LucidLink 

LucidLink provides a unified, secure and fast cloud storage experience that works across all major cloud providers, including AWS, Azure, IBM, and GCP.

Pricing 

LucidLink has three plans. Each plan provides access for up to 5 users; additional users can be added for $10 per user per month.

  • Basic Filespace: Wasabi storage at $20 per TB per month.
  • Advanced Filespace: IBM storage at $80 per TB per month.
  • Custom Filespace: “Bring your own” S3 compatible storage at $40 per TB per month.

LucidLink also offers a 14-day free trial of its services.

Features

  • ​​Media and entertainment team can perform video and post-production editing directly in the cloud.
  • Architecture, engineering, and construction can also collaborate on CAD/CAM models in real-time.
  • LucidLink works on several OSs, including Microsoft, macOS, and Linux.

Pros

  • LucidLink has an online quote calculator tool to help customers estimate license costs.
  • Works with applications that support NAS storage.

Cons

  • Users reported infrequent connectivity issues and glitches.  

5 key features of web and internet OS software

Some essential features of web and internet OS software that prospective buyers should consider when deciding on a solution include browser and app compatibility, offline functionality, cloud storage integration, and collaboration tools.

Browser support

Web and internet OS software usually work across multiple web browsers, such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Safari. This allows users to access the software from their preferred browser without compatibility issues. Check the list of supported browsers before selecting a tool to ensure it works on the user’s preferred browser.

Offline functionality

Although web and internet OS software is primarily designed to work online, some software may offer offline functionality. This means that users can access and edit their documents and files without an internet connection. This feature is helpful for users who frequently work in areas with limited or no internet connectivity.

Application support

Generally, web OS software offers a suite of applications, such as word processors, spreadsheets, calendars, and email clients. Some software may also provide additional applications, such as graphics editors, project management tools, and video conferencing software. Ensure your desired software supports the applications your organization and teams need to function properly. 

Cloud storage integration

If you need to save files, documents, or other information, shop for a tool that enables you to integrate with cloud storage services, such as Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox. This allows users to store their files and documents online, making them easily accessible from any device with an internet connection. 

Collaboration Tools

Does your team need to collaborate on projects? If yes, consider a tool that allows real-time collaboration. Some tools offer messaging capability, real-time editing, commenting, and version history tracking, and some even allow users to work on the same document or file simultaneously. 

How do I choose the best web OS software for my business?

Choosing the best web and internet OS software for your business depends on the needs of your particular industry and your company’s goals. 

For example, if you are in the creative industry, LucidLink may be best for you, as it enables media, engineering, and even marketing teams to collaborate and share files easily. On the other hand, for developers and those looking to store large files in the cloud, Xcerion is a good option. And if you just need a quick, easy option to get to work without any fuss, SilveOS might be the best choice for you.

Ultimately, the best web OS software for your business depends on your specific needs and goals. Before making your final decision, conduct research, read reviews, apply for a product demo or free trial, and ask questions to ensure the software you choose best fits your business.

Methodology

Most web and internet OS tools available over a decade ago have been discontinued. To provide the most up-to-date solutions for enterprise, we researched the latest products and services available, focusing on reliable ones with a proven track record of success. 

We looked for features such as security, easy-to-use user interfaces, supported applications, and customizability, as well as customer reviews and industry reviews. We also considered the companies’ support and the solution’s affordability. After careful research and evaluation, we narrowed down the top options for specific use cases, then outlined the best web and internet OS software solutions based on the factors mentioned.

Also See

Aminu Abdullahi
Aminu Abdullahi
Aminu Abdullahi is an experienced B2B technology and finance writer and award-winning public speaker. He is the co-author of the e-book, The Ultimate Creativity Playbook, and has written for various publications, including eWEEK, Enterprise Networking Planet, Tech Republic, eSecurity Planet, CIO Insight, Enterprise Storage Forum, IT Business Edge, Webopedia, Software Pundit, and Geekflare.

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