A relatively recent entry to the web-based writing collaboration market is EtherPad. One highlight from their screencast was the ability to integrate Skype, so not only can people see what the other collaborators are writing, but they can hear them as well. SubEthaEdit probably does that via iChat & Bonjour, and it’s a great tool, but it’s not cross-platform (if memory serves).
But what makes EtherPad different from Google Docs? The creators say it’s the lack of lag time by way of a technology called Comet.
EtherPad sends messages in both directions between the browser and the server, using a technology often called “Comet” or “server push”. This comparatively recent innovation in web app functionality allows EtherPad to be fully real-time.
While this may not be a big deal for some, I nevertheless like their way of arguing the substance of that time lag: Imagine if whiteboards or telephones had this kind of delay!
So if you’re in a collaborative group and doing some intensive brainstorming and you don’t want members to be blocked out by this kind of time lag, then this tool deserves a look.
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EtherPad, SubEthaEdit, GoogleDocs
Filed under: Collaboration, Tech
