EtherPad is an open source web-based word processor that allows people to work together in real-time. When multiple people edit the same document simultaneously, any changes are instantly reflected on everyone’s screen.

EtherPad interface

What is EtherPad good for ?

You can use EtherPad for the following tasks involving collaboration between one or more remotely located people.

• Collaborate on text documents
• Useful for meeting notes
• Drafting sessions
• In education
• Team programming

and more …

The company which owned EtherPad namely AppJet was recently acquired by Google and since then, the formerly closed source project has been  released as open source. Now you can download the source of EtherPad from its new home, compile it (instructions here), and run the web software on your own server.

If you want to use this software without going through the compiling and installing rules, then you are in luck. PirateBay.org – a popular torrent site has rolled out a site which provides a hosted version of EtherPad called PiratePad. Check it out.