EtherPad back online and going open-source after Google deal

When Google bought AppJet Inc., the makers of EtherPad, it was great news for the future of Google Wave, but bad news for current EtherPad users. The plan was to close new account signups and pad creation immediately, and shut down existing accounts in March 2010. Rejoice, though, devotees of EtherPad! The site is back online and headed for open-source.

After an outpouring of disappointment from users, EtherPad and Google have worked out a new transition plan. Pad creation is open again, and Etherpad will remain open until the EtherPad team - which just became part of the Google Wave team - can put out a working open-source version. Current EtherPad users will also be getting invites to try Google Wave in the near future, although the team acknowledges that Wave is "not yet as mature" as EtherPad.

Anyway, the crisis has been averted, and it looks like the resolution is a win for EtherPad, Google Wave, and their respective users.

Tags: etherpad, google, google wave, GoogleWave, open source, OpenSource