Your company might need groupware or collaborative software if:
- You often work with contractors located in other regions or countries – particularly in different time zones.
- Business is booming, making frequent sit-down meetings increasingly difficult.
- Your work is largely project-based, requiring many phases and steps, calling for a central "hub" to track progress.
- You frequently give presentations to several sources in various locations.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Install it on your PC
Some well-established programs come as software installed on your computer or laptop or integrated into existing software.I recommend: Venerable IBM collaborative offering Lotus Notes is still going strong after many years, with a Lotus Notes 7 (including Lotus Notes for Collaboration) the latest edition. Microsoft Office 2007 features Groove collaboration software.
Run it online
Many companies offer groupware as an online, multi-user interface, sans download or installation. This seems to be the trend in collaboration, due to low cost and ease of setup and modification.I recommend: 37 Signals offers innovative, secure, and user-friendly web-based collaborative tools, including the multi-functional Basecamp, for a monthly subscription. Central Desktop offers a similarly comprehensive interface, also for a monthly subscription fee based on the amount of storage space needed. For companies with simpler needs and smaller budgets, 37 Signals offers free, basic Web-based tools like its Writeboard and Ta-Da list.
Share with gadgets
Touch-screens, Webcams…there are more ways to bring groups together than the software experience.I recommend: 3M offers its MicroTouchTM ClearTek IITM touch-screen add-on that converts your computer screen into a whiteboard that can be viewed by others outside your office during a phone conference. The white-hot popular Apple iSight Webcam combines user-friendliness with visual quality for online conferences.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Think outside of the software box when contemplating collaboration – Weblogs, commonly known as "blogs" are a great tool for sharing ideas among many users who can either add content or comment on existing entries.
- Instant messaging software – often downloadable for free – allows for multi-user conversations from multiple computers.
- All reputable web-based groupware firms guarantee the security of their products – be sure to also ask about backup capabilities to prevent loss of data.
- Test drive any groupware you're interested in using – nearly all companies offer free trials of their software.
the Groupware Software page at Business.com
IBM LotusLive Engage
Connect. Collaborate. Take Business Forward. Try IBM's Suite of Online Collaboration Tools including Web Conferencing & More. Get No Cost Trial.
30-Day Trial
www.LotusLive.com
Connect. Collaborate. Take Business Forward. Try IBM's Suite of Online Collaboration Tools including Web Conferencing & More. Get No Cost Trial.
30-Day Trial
www.LotusLive.com
AT&T Enterprise Solutions
The Most Innovative Network Mngmnt Capabilities in Telecommunications.
att.com/enterprise
The Most Innovative Network Mngmnt Capabilities in Telecommunications.
att.com/enterprise
Cisco Videoconferencing
Get The Round Table Experience Without The Round Trip Airfare. Learn More!
www.cisco.com
Get The Round Table Experience Without The Round Trip Airfare. Learn More!
www.cisco.com
Cutting Edge Conference Calls
Web, Video, and Teleconferencing. Great Rates, Renowned Technology, and Customer Service. Free Podcasting. Custom Plans and Instant Access Available.
Web Conference | Get Free Quote
www.conferencegroup.com
Web, Video, and Teleconferencing. Great Rates, Renowned Technology, and Customer Service. Free Podcasting. Custom Plans and Instant Access Available.
Web Conference | Get Free Quote
www.conferencegroup.com
Free B2B search marketing whitepaper, B2B Search Marketing Strategy Guide: Advice From the Pros.
