This would be a very nice enhancement, I also took a look at webodf a while ago but don't see any server software needed. What kind of server software are your referring too in the future ?

@gerard webodf currently supports semi "realtime" collaboration by polling a php page every x seconds. To get a more realtime experience webodf is exploring implementations with a nodejs server component, but that is indeed the future :)

Ah, I see that is indeed a nice future enhancement, but to be able to edit a document online is for now already a huge improvement to Elgg. I tried etherpad but didn't like it since it cannot open existing (open office) files and then reduces it to a html editor. I admitted it has nice realtime collaboration features but I do not see much benefit there. 

This is interesting.

In my opinion access via Files is quick and convienient for users. It could offer more flexability for various applications too.

Once example could be to it to create a group to collaborate in. Groups is a great place to collaborate, we have members, albums, discussions and *files*. Also privacy and member control are available.

You could also collaborate with friends using your personal files, through the activity or profile/dashboard widget.

Awesome, I am really looking forward to this!

You can already test the "semi" realtime on the Owncloud plugin... to me it looks near realtime semi realtime :p

Any news on this?

This would indeed be a great feature for elgg if implemented! look forword to this development.

Maybe check out this plugin https://github.com/Pleio/odt_editor

I made two webODF plugin some time ago:

WebODF Viewer

https://community.elgg.org/plugins/1975184

Document Editor based on ViewerJS

http://www.swsocialweb.com/shop/index.php?route=product/product&path=65_62&product_id=116

Both are very basic plugins, specially the editor, and there are still some things to do. The main problem is the body background and fonts (Editor) which interferes with themes.

May be someone wants to pick it up and make it better?