Software called Online Collaboration Tools enables teams to communicate online. Asana, slack, & Trello are a few examples. These solutions are designed to make it easier for remote teams to communicate, collaborate, & work together.
These resources are additionally referred to as “online collaboration software” & “virtual collaboration tools.” These are subsets of remote work software that can be used to create effective virtual teams.
You may discover more about team-building techniques & collaboration at work. IT companies have recently expanded workplace possibilities by developing several office apps.
Most Popular Online Collaboration Tools
1. Google Workspace
Google Workplace and G Suite are two common products used in many companies. The Workplace suite of apps not only performs various tasks, but they also sync between devices & are available to anybody with a Google account.
Given that the Workplace allows users to exchange content via simple links or email invitations, it is no surprise that Google’s collaboration features are almost universal. Google Workplace products, including Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Calendar, & Gmail, are just a few examples.
Features:
- Real-time collaboration.
- Formatting options.
- Voice typing.
- Google Sheets integration.
- Version History.
2. MindMeister
A collaborative mind mapping application and one of the noted Online Collaboration Tools called MindMeister is used to construct & visualize links between thoughts.
The program comes with all the typical features you’d anticipate in a mind map app: Start with a core idea, add related concepts on various branches, & then build more branches as needed. The addition of a note, link, file, or comment can modify each node.
Features:
- Making, sharing, & working together on mind maps.
- Real-time collaboration.
- Task management.
- Templates.
- Export capabilities.
3. Onshape
Cooperative computer-aided design & product data management are both supported by the cloud design system Onshape. With the Onshape mobile apps for iOS or Android, you & your coworkers may collaborate on a 3D design concurrently in a browser.
Teams can experiment with various methods and solutions thanks to design branching & merging. Content is always up to date thanks to integrated data management & bill of materials systems.
Features:
- Cad modeling.
- Collaboration.
- PDM (Product Data Management) & release management.
- Administration & security.
4. Miro
Miro is a business-friendly solution that initially appears to be whiteboard software. But because of its many links to other apps, range of tools, and depth of community sharing, Miro is much more than just a collaborative drawing board & considered to be one of the best Online Collaboration Tools.
Along with complex features like board voting, Miro offers tools for specialized tasks like diagramming & mind mapping in addition to drawing.
Features:
- Collaborative whiteboard.
- Remote team management.
- Visual project planning.
- Design thinking.
- Ideation & brainstorming.
- Prototyping & testing.
5. ProofHub
ProofHub is a solid & capable online collaboration solution that enables you to manage teams and projects all at once & get every team member on the same page.
This one of the free online collaboration tools brings together all the necessary resources to promote cooperation and maintain task management. To lessen the effort, you can divide a challenging project into tasks and smaller subtasks & assign them to your team members.
ProofHub’s integrated Gantt charts and Kanban boards make it much simpler to streamline projects & maintain timelines. Using a Kanban board makes tracking how tasks progress through the project’s various phases feasible.
A Gantt chart, on the other hand, enables you to see how each task fits into the project’s overall timeline as well as the assignees.
Features:
- Online Proofing.
- Online Discussions.
- Chat app.
- File Sharing.
6. Filestage
Teams have access to Filestage, which makes managing the content approval process as simple as possible. Internal & external stakeholders can quickly provide in-context input on videos, photos, PDFs, and other documents with the help of the project management platform & software.
The tool automatically generates to-do lists based on those remarks to ensure that your team gets all the feedback. Version control makes projects simple to manage & makes it simple to identify which stakeholders have authorized a file.
You can examine & approve in real-time with Filestage. External partners & clients can remark without registering.
Features:
- Easy review.
- Comments.
- Consistency.
- Creative management.
- Time saver.
7. Asana
Despite being an established player, Asana has gained recognition in the field of project management. For small teams, the technology promises a fantastic platform for collaboration.
Due to the platform’s many view options, which enable industry executives to track every team member’s work & task progress, many of them choose it.
By getting the teams on the same page & increasing transparency, Asana also reduces the email haze to streamline the job flow.
Features:
- Timeline & boards.
- Shared workspace area.
- Calendar.
- Complete overview of tasks.
- Recurring tasks automation.
- Multiple third-party integrations.
8. Slack
Slack, one of the online collaboration tools free, is the cornerstone of your team’s communication & cooperation. Establishing a standard for online team communication enables you to interact & work without using emails.
You can set up channels to work together on a project & share documents. Millions of individuals use Slack’s robust desktop and mobile applications to connect their teams & advance the expansion of their businesses.
Features:
- Easy solution.
- Streamlines workflow.
- Search.
- Integrate with other services.
How To Choose Best Collaboration Tools
Online Collaboration Tools should be selected by businesses based on their specific requirements. You can use the following factors to decide which service will benefit your team the most:
Opt for multiple features: While some solutions provide outstanding support, they only concentrate on a single area of team cooperation. Think about how effective this is. Teams can find themselves wasting time switching between complementary tools. It is best to look for a tool with many features & can be used in a variety of ways.
Ease of use: Undoubtedly, this is among the most crucial requirements. Teams, especially those rapidly expanding, won’t benefit from a service if it works but is difficult to use. Request a demo & look for a user-friendly layout and straightforward navigation.
Privacy options: Working with teams does not require that all communications & documents be made publicly available. You may occasionally wish your team to collaborate on delicate tasks or have confidential discussions. Be sure to consider privacy settings when selecting a service.
Cloud Service: Technology that uses the cloud has many benefits. It can ease your version control headaches by enabling you to view the most recent edits & activities. Every piece of information is kept online so that everyone may access it, no matter where they are.
Integrations & compatibility: Keep in mind that it’s preferable to utilize a tool with a variety of features. Only sometimes. Occasionally, you come upon a gadget that performs a single task flawlessly. Integrating is important. Search for technologies that easily integrate with other tools or apps. Additionally crucial is compatibility.
FAQ
Q: Can I use these Online Collaboration Tools for free?
A: Many tools mentioned here have a free version for a limited number of participants.
Q: What to do if one of the team members doesn’t have access to a computer?
A: Without a PC/laptop, collaboration can be done with a smartphone, too.
Q: Can I use third-party plugins for these tools?
A: Some of these tools allow third-party plugins. Read the features of the tool to find out.