Today's issue of TL NewsWire covers an online word processor with collaboration tools (see article below), an iPad text editor with support for snippets and macros, a note-taking app for iPad and iPhone that syncs via iCloud, and an RSS feed service for your law blog. Don't miss the next issue.
COLLABORATIVE WORD PROCESSING
Microsoft Word remains shackled to its roots in the early days of personal computing before networks let alone the cloud. Back then, lawyers collaborated by writing a draft, and then circulating printed copies for feedback. Over the years, Word has gained some collaboration tools such as Track Changes, but new word processors built from the ground up for collaboration may have an edge.
Quip Business … in One Sentence
Launched this month, Quip Business is an online word processor with collaboration tools.
The Killer Feature
Quip Business enables you and others to work on a document at the same time — without the need for a server-based technology such as Microsoft SharePoint. The application keeps track of each person's changes and can save all versions. You can also use Quip Business offline. When you again have an Internet connection, your changes merge with the existing document, again preserving versions and enabling others to see your changes.
Other Notable Features
In addition to traditional documents, Quip Business also supports documents with specific structures such as checklists and outlines. Each Quip Business document has an area along the side for comments by those with access to the document. Quip Business can send you an alert when a person with whom you share a document first accesses it, makes changes, and adds comments.
Quip Business currently works in all modern web browsers on Macs, PCs, and mobile web browsers. A dedicated app exists for iPad and iPhone users that you can download for free from the App Store.
You can organize documents into folders, which enables you to share entire folders in addition to sharing select documents. Using the Admin Console, you can change user permissions anytime such as when an employee leaves your firm. You can also remotely manage and wipe the Quip Business app on iPads and iPhones issued by your firm.
What Else Should You Know?
If you have a Google account, you can use it as your Quip Business login for single sign on convenience. Quip Business costs $12 per user per month, which includes up to 250 users. A free version exists for up to five users, but it lacks the administrative tools. The company also offers an enterprise version for large law firms with custom pricing. Learn more about Quip Business.
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