Adobe Systems released an online version of its popular Photoshop image editing software on Thursday. The new version, with basic features, is available for free on the company's website.

The release happens with a certain delay, since the company had announced the publisher's online version for last year.

According to the company, while Photoshop is aimed at users who already have some knowledge in image editing, the online version (Photoshop Express) is easy to use.

The program was launched in a trial version and the company expects to receive comments from users for future updates.

Photoshop Express will be fully web-based and can be used on any type of computer, operating systems, and browsers. The user who registers on the site will also have the option to access the program of different computers, as well as 2GB to store their images.

According to Adobe, the online version of Photoshop is a way to popularize the software by reaching the new generation of consumers that edits, stores and shares online photos.

For Ron Glaz, an IDC consultant, the measure is a necessary step for Adobe. "They have a whole market they're losing. Adobe needs to assure these users [of online software] that there is a Photoshop option for them. As the market grows and becomes more sophisticated, the expectation is that it will generate more profits," he says.

"It's one of those things you can say: if you can't defeat them, join them," said Glaz.

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