Groupware Software Education and Training

Learn about groupware for small business to increase your communication options

Collaboration software is becoming more popular as a way for business people to communicate and share information. It can be as simple as file and email sharing and as complicated as software that allows multiple users to work on the same files while keeping track of revisions and deadlines.

Depending on your level of experience and your business needs, groupware software education and training can take several forms. Consider these factors when deciding which type of collaboration software to use.

1. Determine the level of training you have already in the area of groupware and other team tools.

2. Consider the configuration of your current computer network.

3. Assess the amount of training your employees would require to participate in the system you choose.

 

Learn to use collaboration software that is client-server based

Client-server software allows some computers on the network to act as servers, providing resources and information, while other computers act as clients, making requests for information. Teams and workgroups can use these types of shared-file software on local computer networks to share calendars and files, to communicate via email and to use other computer-based methods of communication.
Try: Read the online documentation to learn how to use Citadel, an easy-to-install solution for email and collaboration. Register for one of several 2- or 3-day Zimbra Collaboration Suite Training courses to learn how to install, manage and maintain Zimbra on your network.

Evaluate web-based business collaboration software

Web-based groupware software providers make it easy for small businesses to collaborate, even if those who need to communicate are not all on the same local area network. Participants can collaborate even with those who work for other companies. Many of these services are free or low-cost, easy to implement and provide support if you need help.
Try: Visit the learning portal for Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007, where you can find a list of books, e-learning modules, classroom training sessions and certification exams to help you learn to use and become certified on this product. Find out about self-paced, computer-based training in Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 from Mindsharp.

Take training courses in groupware software development

Learning to develop software involves more than learning to implement or manage software. If you want to start a career in software development, seek education from a college or technical school. If you are already a software developer, you can use many of the skills you already know to understand how to develop a new kind of software. There are also online courses that can teach the requirements for being groupware software developers.
Try: Learn groupware software development by signing up for training offered on CD/DVD, online or in a classroom offered by AppDev. Sign up for training courses with hands-on training in groupware software development from DevelopIntelligence.

 

• In this era of cloud-computing, you may find that it's cheaper and easier to opt for a collaboration system that is web-based rather than one that runs on your own computer network, especially if you have more than one office, if your employees work from home or if you employ freelancers or need to collaborate with other companies.

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