I've been using google docs for many of our department projects and wanted to break down the benefits of each here:

Google Docs:

• User creates a document (word processing, spreadsheet, etc.) and the document "lives" in the cloud.


• User invites other users and gives them certain privileges (read only, edit, etc.)


• The doc is always available since it "lives" in the cloud


• Multiple people can be editing and/or viewing the doc at the same time - nice feature if two or more people are collaborating on a conference call and working on the doc at the same time.


• Users can export the doc to MSWord format, for example if the user wants to get it onto their desktop


• Feature set is good but is pretty basic - enough so that some users may not have all the cool features that they enjoy on their desktop apps


• Biggest benefit is that many users can see and edit the document from many locations at any time since it's living in the cloud


• Biggest downside is that some of the more advanced app features from desktop apps may not be available

Basecamp:




• User creates their document on their desktop and uploads a copy to Basecamp


• User can specify who can see and download the document


• Users who want to work on a document download it to their desktop and the upload it again when they are done. Users can specify whether or not to send an email notification when a new revision has been uploaded


• Basecamp allows you to see previous iterations of the document - all versions are stored permanently


• Basecamp has tons of nice project management features:


• Basic project calendar


• Allows you to set up and assign milestones to specific dates and people


• Alerts assignees when a milestone is imminent or is past due


• Assign To-Do's with deadlines to individuals


• Track hours worked


• Stores threads of conversations (messages) in a central location so all project-related conversations are easy to find


• Nice email notification features when changes are made to project components


• Iterative storage of project-related docs


• Available apps for the iPhone, Android and Blackberry


• $24/month pay as you go vs Google Docs which are free, but if you are needing some project management features then the price is WELL worth it.


• Biggest upside: great project management features, very easy to set up and use, love the pay as you go (no long-term contracts), nice conversation thread management, nice email reminders


• Biggest downside in comparison to Google docs: If users need to collaborate and edit a document simultaneously someone will need to set up a webinar (free for up to 3 people using Acrobat Connect, though there are several other free and paid screen-sharing software apps out there)



I guess it ultimately comes down to preference in choosing a platform that best works for your team.

]]>