I need to know if there is any software or online place where more than one person can edit a document at the same time and the changes would merge together. I have an attorney client that I am working on an appellate brief with and for the time being we are emailing drafts back and forth. However, we can't keep doing that because we can run into the problem of using an outdated version of the brief. Anyone know a free or cheap solution to this?

Thank you,

Dawn

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Dawn M. Draper
The Virtual Paralegal
http://www.thevirtualparalegal.com Virtual Blog

Hi Dawn,

I think Google Docs can do this... maybe? I think when people are using the shared docs, real-time drafts are saved. http://docs.google.com HTH & maybe someone else has some other options too!

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shana
www.shanafore.com

I was thinking Google Docs as well, but I was concerned about confidentiality because the client is an attorney. With that said, Google docs would work well for this type of project.

-Becki Noles

Only problem with Google Docs is that it changes the format of your docuement and I don't think 2 people can type in the document at the same time.

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Dawn M. Draper
The Virtual Paralegal
http://www.thevirtualparalegal.com Virtual Blog

I've not used this software but they do offer an online trial run and/or Free 30 day trial. It's called Central Desktop. I hope this is at least close to what you have in mind.

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Mattie Stokes

I've used Google docs without any security issues. Both my husband and I have accessed a document and made changes at the exact same time. The format does change some but can easily be updated when downloaded.

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Sue L Canfield
AwesomeAssistant.info
My Blog

Dawn, thank you for posting this great question....
I'll check into Google Docs...and i'll be checking back for more updates to this post!!

Thanks Everyone!!

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Eddna
www.VAInnovations.com

Hi Dawn

I use a free online programme called Diino - it allows up to 5GB of free storage and upto 100GB for around US$50 per year.

You can share files/folders etc with clients and only those given access can view/amend files.

I have not tried to access files at the same time as my client but it does allow just the one copy to be saved and not worry about large files to be emailed with the problems that ensue there.

It also has the option to let you/your client make a list of tasks - easy way of ensuring you both know what you are meant to be doing and by when.

From another Dawn!

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Dawn Lane, Cornwall
www.your-office-online.co.uk

I was going to mention Google docs as well. There's also a program called "Drop Box" that you might want to check out. It may feel a little more "confidential"/secure as someone above mentioned.

Gina

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Gina Starr - Owner/Virtual Assistant
5-Starr Solutions

You might also want to check out MS Office Live -http://www.officelive.com/

I haven't used it myself, but it appears to be similar to Google Docs. (which I use with a few clients). It is also free and worth checking out.

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Darlene Victoria Gonzalez
The Voice & Vision Behind Your Business