Houston is looking to become the first city in the United States to provide a Web-based virtual desktop to residents. Houston and software development company SimDesk unveiled SimHouston yesterday, a Web-based application that provides users with e-mail, word processor, spreadsheet, file manager, calendar, remote printing, computer backup and contact manager applications via any Web-enabled device.

The city already has completed a pilot program and launched service in three library locations--a program it is considering for expansion to other branches. The SimDesk product suite will be available to all Houston residents, pending approval by the City Council.

--Amalia Parthenios, staff writer