I'm guessing that it is accessed through a browser, thus works on linux? =)

If they're advertising that it's going to work on mobile devices, no reason it shouldn't work on Linux.

My question:

how does the Realm Works interaction work with HLO? Can the online version produce portfolio files for RW? And can I jump to the webapp from RW as I can now to the desktop version?

Will the desktop HL be phased out for the web based program or will Starfinder come to the desktop as well? I really don't want to be forced to move to an online only platform but I don't want to be left behind either.

I REALLY hope this isn't web-app only. I like having the software available, and recently got an iPad because of how perfect the app is at the table.

Offline usage is essential because all the LGS here lock down their wifi for only employees.

Due to the number of players I have to manage in my games, I don't really have web access when I am running them. So, like others, I really hope there is an offline mode and is not web application only.

If I would hazard a guess (and this is only a guess), I would say that it would work a bit like a cloud service with sync'ing upon making a successful connection. Once sync'd you'd be able to work offline like normal. Then, once you are done, you make a successful connection and then re-sync any changed files/portfolios.

This would work similar to how they tried to integrate dropbox into the desktop version of Hero lab.

I can understand the nominal fee to keep cloud servers in service.

How will this work with things like Development environments?

One last question: Can multiple people access the same environment server-side.

I'm assuming/hoping this is how things will work moving forward.

Well, if they are smart about it, they will have an option within the HLO Client to "work offline" like e-mail clients.