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“Small businesses are more mobile that ever,” says the author of a new article, What to Look for in Online Collaboration Tools for Small Business. “No longer are we tied to physical locations, or limited by technology in communicating with partners all around the world.”
Considering the launch of the iPad and other tablets, the trend is becoming even more evident that web-based apps are the best means of a team’s collaboration on a project. But, truly, what and where are the best mobile apps and how do you pick the ones that will work best in your business and with your employees?
Here is a shorter version of the article’s list:
1. Security. Make sure that documents you store online, especially those of proprietary nature, are secure from prying eyes.
2. Flexibility. There are different options and pricing plans from Google Apps and others. Be sure to look around at the various web-based apps to determine the best for your needs and costs.
3. Versatility. Look for ‘suites’ of tools to fit your needs. Some things to keep in mind are:
- Tasks management
- Contact Management
- File sharing and storage
- Private messaging
- Chat
- To-do lists
- Message boards
- Email integration
- Calendars
4. Simplicity. “Using online collaboration should make your life easier, not more stressful.” Apps need to be simple to encourage their usage.
5. Non-Obligatory. Don’t commit to any price plans until you’ve given the apps a test spin. In order to do this effectively, look for products and providers that offer a no-obligation, free trial.
“Online collaboration could mean a greater reach, with more efficiency to the small business.”
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
good features to check out. it would be helpful if you actually compared a few collaboration tools along these or gave examples. I work for a online communications company , sococo.com, and most of these features would be useful in choosing communications tools as well.
Thanks for sharing the info, SR! I’ll look into those tools your company has to offer and post my review separately today to follow up (keep on the lookout for it). ~Shawna
Personally, I use Showdocument for online teaching and web conferencing. I’m not saying these programs aren’t good,
But I think a web-based application is always better, since there’s nothing to download or install.
try it at http://www.showdocument.com . -andy
I don’t doubt that the time for online collaboration has come – but there are so many different solutions – how can you choose?
We chose on the basis of the product that allowed us to make it our own – by adopting our corporate colours and domain name. This was really important to us as we move forward.
Although it was a 3rd party solution – http://www.ice3-portal.co.uk – our customers were impressed when they saw that it was our business that was offering them so much.
Peter
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