Anna runs a content management team whose members are based in countries outside the United States. It is only ideal that she and her team install a collaboration software platform in their devices if they want to sync up, collaborate, and become more productive workers and individuals. Anna has been checking out several collaboration software comparison websites and has read tons of software reviews from reliable sources, but she finds herself confused rather than enlightened.
“Hey! I have been reading some materials on collaboration software comparison and reviews from trusted software vendors. But I usually end up more perplexed than ever. I really don’t know where to start or what to look for when picking a collaboration software platform for my team. We are an international group of eight people who are based in Asia and Europe, mostly working online on web based content. I hope you can help me find the best software that would suit our corporate needs.”
It is quite hard to pick one collaboration software solution from the vast options that are available to you. Reading reviews and side by side collaboration software comparison may give you an idea but to really make a choice out of a wide selection is a huge gamble in itself. And naturally, you just want to pick the top software for what your small business requires. For starters, here are some of the things to keep in mind when reading collaboration software reviews.
But before you evaluate vendors, it is always best that you determine first what apps, functions, and features you want for your team. List them down and then start your search from what you have. This tip will help you narrow down your list of software, but if you could use more expert recommendations, then Laura S. Quinn of IdealWare.Org is more than happy to share her trove of collaboration software comparison tips.
Here are 5 of them.
#1 Understand what kind of collaboration software you are looking for.
Quinn says that there are various types of collaboration software and knowing these types will aid you in your search for the best option for your enterprise. Various software platforms for collaborations carry a specific feature that acts as its flagship functionality. Some options are more inclined to provide optimum communication functions. Others are designed extensively for information sharing while others are loaded with advanced features for advanced and long term projects. Know the kinds of software and sort them out according to your needs.
#2 Know what you need and then know your budget.
Cost will always be an issue. Although there are free collaboration software versions available in the market, you will have to invest good money on a collaboration software platform if you want to really maximize its potential and improve your business revenues. Some cheap versions offer demo periods. But most of the time, pricey collaboration tools and applications are the best way to go since they are usually fitted with sophisticated features and functions that could steer your business to success. That said, Quinn suggests that you invest in a software that your money can afford.
#3 Communication should be paramount
While most collaboration software products come with communication features, Quinn points out that communication between users should be real time and that collaboration solutions you pick should enable you to hold meetings, informal huddles, and chit chats as interaction in real time can really bolster the purpose of collaboration.
#4 Ease of setup and ease of use
Collaboration software solutions should be easy to install and navigate, even the more sophisticated ones, says Quinn. It is pointless to invest in a software that requires extensive training as this would hamper user experience and may have adverse effects on productivity and output among members.
Quinn has tons of other expert tips that delve on collaboration software comparison that are worth checking out. I hope you find the time to read her professional take on that subject. I wish you the best with your search and good luck.
P.S. For further reading on collaboration software, I recommend the following helpful guides: key features to look for in online team collaboration software; and how work collaboration software can help you organize group tasks.
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Hi Emily,
your article is great. I'm just as confused as the person you have quoted. One point you are missing: What security aspects are important? Should I choose an encrypted collaboration software, or isn't there a need for it?
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