Google improves Google Docs commenting

Adds impressive email integration

By Lawrence Latif

Thu Mar 17 2011, 12:44

SOFTWARE DEVELOPER Google has improved the commenting features of Google Docs, integrating email correspondance.

Google's Docs previously had a relatively basic commenting feature for files, however now the firm has not only allowed commentors to assume ownership of comments but to also integrate email notification of comments. Users can add comments to a document by simply replying to the email.

Nick Cooper, a software engineer at Google said that the "next generation commenting system" has been in use internally at Google for months. Cooper said, "The combination of added structure and intuitive email integration have really given life to the discussions that surround our documents, and we're excited for this new feature to do the same for you."

Commenting on documents might seem to be a relatively mundane feature but it is a vital feature for users who collaborate on documents. The ability for users toshare Google Docs files easily without the need to install cumbersome applications makes this a particularly attractive option for project teams.

Microsoft's Office does have similar commenting tools built-in, however not only is there a degree of vendor lock-in involved, it is far more expensive than Google's offering.

At present Google says only personal Google Accounts and Google Apps customers will have access to the new commenting features, which are being rolled out in the next few days. The firm added that the updated commenting system will only be available for new documents.

Microsoft is facing a significant threat to its Office cash-cow from free products such as Open Office and Libre Office and now Google Docs. Whether it can hold onto its market share will depend on whether the Vole can match their pace of innovation and, even more crucially, lower its high prices. µ