If you like turn-based strategy games, then you'll love what QuadriSpace has done with its Share3D cloud-based application for collaboration, instructions, and catalogs.
QuadriSpace has many applications to create documentation from 3D geometry. But the latest innovation improves upon its Share3D application. The upgrade includes a "new WebGL-based viewing and collaboration features allow anyone with a standard browser to interactively view 3D, markup 3D and add comments to a shared project."
One thing I find unique about QuadriSpace is that they don't assume real-time collaboration. The workflows in Share3D are realistic and the features are focused on streamlining the way people actually collaborate, especially in geographically diverse teams.
For example, Cindy is reviewing a design. She doesn't call up her team halfway across the globe and try to find a convenient time to open an appshare. No, she does it when her workload allows. When she finds an issue, she documents it and sends the comments to the designer Bob. When Bob arrives in the office, he can see the comments, reply back, and make the necessary adjustments. But what if Bob is on travel? Bob can reply via email, which is what most people would do anyway. The email is captured and included in the project's conversation. The unique email-in-the-loop feature provides the ability for participants that are not signed into or cannot sign into Share3D to engage in a collaborative session by simply replying to automatically generated emails.
When I first researched QuadriSpace I had a difficult time finding a use for their products. Without creating documents within my managed environment, how am I going to control them? Why would I need to collaborate outside of my change control workflows? But, realizing that many people have a design review workflow that consists of "Email it to Bob and see what he thinks" I can see the value in QuadriSpace and Share3D.
QuadriSpace and Share3D conveniently capture comments and review history without forcing people to drastically change how they do business. I'm not forced into scheduling a real-time collaboration session, teleconference, or appshare. I take my turn with the document and click when its time for the next reviewer. What a great strategy.