LibreOffice Online dragged out of the attic, dusted off for another go
The Register
March 2, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
LibreOffice Online (LOOL), the cloud-based version of LibreOffice, has been revived by The Document Foundation (TDF) after being dormant since 2020. This move comes despite the existence of Collabora Online (COOL), a competing online办公 solution developed by Collabora, which has been actively updated and maintained since its launch in 2015. The decision to restart LOOL development raises questions about TDF's relationship with Collabora, particularly as Collabora already provides most of the paid developers for LibreOffice.
The announcement follows a community vote earlier this month, signaling strong interest in reviving LOOL. While TDF focuses on providing a free, open-source办公 suite, Collabora offers both free and paid versions of its online tools, including Collabora Online Development Edition (CODE) and Collabora Office Desktop (CODA). These solutions feature modernized interfaces, similar to Microsoft Office 365, and integrate seamlessly with cloud storage services like Nextcloud.
The decision to bring LOOL out of retirement is seen by some as a response to Collabora's growing influence. TDF emphasizes LibreOffice for business use but lacks commercial support options, unlike Collabora. The move highlights the evolving landscape of open-source办公 solutions, where both standalone and cloud-based tools are competing for attention. As online办公 becomes increasingly popular, this revival could reposition LibreOffice in a competitive market.
For tech enthusiasts and businesses exploring cloud办公 solutions, the resurgence of LOOL offers new possibilities. It underscores TDF's commitment to innovation while navigating complex relationships with Collabora. This development matters as it may influence future collaboration between open-source communities and commercial entities, shaping the future of online办公 tools.
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Originally published on The Register on 3/2/2026