GroupSwim’s Use of Google Docs for Collaboration

We are big fans of Google Docs. In particular, we like the Spreadsheets application and use it extensively in conjunction with GroupSwim’s other collaboration features. Our team is globally distributed and works in three different time zones with a follow-the-sun development model. Sharing information is critical for keeping the assembly line running, and distributing out-of-date documents does not work. We use a Wiki for sharing requirements but sometimes Wiki’s fall short. In particular, they do not work well when dealing with the tabular style information of structured information that needs to be compared side-by-side or calculated; this is where spreadsheets shine.
Last week, we quietly slipped in a new feature that lets you insert a published Google Doc into a GroupSwim discussion. In many ways, it is a simple feature.

Use the ()control on the post form which inserts the Google document in-line with a discussion. We use it to share documents with other group members, add context to a spreadsheet, or start a dialog around the Google Doc. It works great and as a team, we use it extensively.

There is a downside to the feature. We recognize not everyone is willing to go through the hassle of setting up a Google Docs account and figuring out how to publish his or her Google Doc. At some point, we plan to provide a deeper integration, if and when, Google opens their API’s for integration. We have looked at Zoho’s API and they are much more accommodating. Zoho may be the answer to a more integrated documents/spreadsheets solution if we see enough demand.
In the meantime, enjoy this new feature and let us know what you think.

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