Google Apps launches improved document discussions
Google Apps on Wednesday will roll out a new commenting feature that allows you to solicit feedback, resolve issues and keep a record of multi-author document changes.
On the surface, this addition doesn't appear to be that big of a deal. However, if you've had document that has been passed around the office you know that tracking comments, making changes and finding the right version can be a hassle.
According to Scott Johnston, group product manager for Google Docs and Google Sites, the aim is to keep conversations within the document as opposed to being handed off to an email thread. "Document comments can become a nightmare in version management," said Johnston. "small boxes are not conducive to talking about things. Once you're forced to email it becomes unstructured."
In many respects, Google is looking to advance the ball on document collaboration, arguably the killer app with its suite of tools. Among the key points:
- The commenting system tracks discussions.
- These discussions can be resolved and archive.
- A record of how decision making is kept.
- The commenting system is available today in all languages.
See also: