A while back Symantec released a cloud based operating system in private beta, after a timely post I wrote on the definition of cloud operating systems on OS Attack. The Symantec cloud “OS”, to me, was basically bunk but was surprisinly quick even with nice visual effects. Symantec GoEverywhere also had a lot of future promise, the development team was working on what I liked to call a reflective OS, or an OS that looked, felt, and had the same files both online and offline. The beginning stages of this can already be seen with Ubuntu One. Even with these plans though it looks like Symantec GoEverywhere is no longer going anywhere at all.
In an e-mail sent out to all beta testers, Symantec let beta users know that their accounts will be deleted and will no longer have access to their accounts on June 30th. While this surely isn’t depressing for me (I never used it past a wekk) I know of a handful of people who will be disappointed about the impending shutdown. It is sort of sad on my end to see GoEverywhere simply “go” away though. It held a lot of promise and they were seemingly striving for some great things that really could’ve qualified for the term as a cloud OS. If you want to see Symantec GoEverywhere in action feel free to check out my screencast here (yes, I know my voice is squeaky, had a crap Mic at the time). Otherwise, the email sent to all users explaining the situation is embedded below
Dear Beta Tester,
Thank you for participating in the beta program for Symantec GoEverywhere. This innovative project in cloud computing was very successful and provided a number of insights on technical features and usage patterns derived from substantial user feedback. However, the beta program for GoEverywhere will come to a close on June 30, 2009. At that time, the service will no longer be accessible and available for use.
Symantec continues to develop innovative technologies and remains focused on its vision to become the leading provider of cloud-based offerings that secure and manage the world’s information. However, at this time we do not plan to release Symantec GoEverywhere as a standalone service.
Account information, including log-in information for accounts you have connected to through GoEverywhere, will be securely deleted, and no personal information will be retained.
We thank you for your active participation and support. If you have any questions about Symantec GoEverywhere, please contact us atsupport@goeverywhere.com
Thank you,
The GoEverywhere Team
