2. Group collaboration is a very important aspect of the
business world. Business communication can be made
so much easier through the use of collaboration tools.
These online applications allow people to share information,
share documents, and communicate with others in a professional way.
Here are a few examples of group collaboration tools:
● Glasscubes
○ A web-based online collaboration project management software which,
enables remotely-operated teams to share files, manage projects, and
communicate effectively.
● Google Drive
○ Google Drive is a feature that is included in a Gmail account. Google Drive
allows users to simply participate in collaborative work on documents,
spreadsheets and presentations.
Collaboration Tools
3. ● MediaFire
○ MediaFire is a collaboration tool used for file management and
sharing. Customers can upload, share, and store files using the cloud.
MediaFire makes it easy to share images, documents, videos, and
audio files with colleagues, partners, and customers. The service
offers three plans: Basic, Pro, and Business.
● Producteev
○ Producteev is a group collaboration tool that is easy to use and works
on any platform including smart phones. It is one of the lead task
management applications for all groups. Anyone in a group can
contribute to projects, set due dates, and even make to-do lists.
● Trello
○ Trello provides a concise and easy way to use a virtual “cork board,”
this allows users to assign specific groups or people to tasks by
“dragging” them onto the board.
Collaboration Tools
4. Glasscubes
Pros
● Share and view all your content:
“Organize and view all of your content
online in a familiar file & folder
structure and keep track of all the
versions - instantly view any version
without anything getting lost in other
peoples email boxes.”
● Project management,collaboration
and Mobile access: “Glasscubes
saves everyone time and therefore
saves money, getting work done and
not wasting time bogged down in
emails.”
● Unparalleled Security: “All of your
data is backed-up daily, 256 bit
encryption, access control list and
rigorous testing.”
Cons
● No milestone support schedule:
glasscubes does not offer a feature
that represents the percentage
completion of the project. Task is
either classified as “done” or “not
done”.
● Does not look corporate: it looks
more like a consumer application
● Lack of resource management
tools like in “Teambox”
5. Pros
● Online Availability: One of the
greatest benefits of this product is
that everything is online so you can
work easily without having to
download any programs or software.
● 99.99 Data Availability: According
to Google, it provides you with
secure data storage and it will be
available to you most of the time;
assuring that you will not suffer data
loss.
● Its Free: Google Docs is included
with Google Mail so if you have an
account on Gmail then you can
access its services for free, no need
to purchase any software.
Google Drive
Cons
● Printing: You cannot directly print
from Google Docs the same way
you can with MS Office products.
You would have to download the doc
first, available in various formats
(PDF, Word, etc.) and then print.
● Access: Since all the data and
services are online, if you don’t have
internet than you are out of luck.
● Insecurity: Some people feel
insecure about saving their private
information in the “cloud.”
6. MediaFire
Pros
● Storage: Media Fire offers unlimited
storage space. Because your files
are saved onto the cloud, you don’t
have to worry about your hard-drive
crashing and your file getting lost.
● Collaboration: MediaFire offers a
File Drop widget that you can post on
your company’s website, allowing
others to send files to your cloud
storage.
● Security and Privacy: You can set
passwords, hide private files, and
manage access levels. MediaFire
offers SSL and a one-time download
feature for sensitive documents.
● Multiplatform and Mobile Access:
Works on Android, iPhone, tablets,
PCs, Macs, desktops, and laptops.
Cons
● Pay Extra: For features such as,
long-term storage, direct links to
files, and FileDrop you have to
update to Pro for $2.49 a month or
Business for $24.99 a month
● Downloading Problems: Users
have frequently reported download
time outs.
● Control: MediaFire can remove
your files due to account inactivity,
which takes away control from the
user.
7. Producteev
Pros
● Can be used on all devices:
○ Desktop
○ Email
○ Smartphones
● It is simple, anyone can use it
and work on it.
● It keeps everyone in the loop
about the project with activity
feeds and to-do lists.
Cons
● It is too simple, there is nowhere
for shared links.
● No time tracking to help people
do tasks on time.
● It is only free for up to 2 users.
There is a $20 fee to have an
unlimited amount of users to
share documents.
8. Trello
Pros
● It is a free to use.
● You can track the progress of
each project.
● Add as many boards as needed.
● The simple layout of this tool is
great for visual users.
● Mobility and structure are
versatile using a personalized
and best-fit manner.
● Users can archive old cards
(completed tasks or postponed
projects).
Cons
● There is limited email integration.
● Some users find the segmented
layout to interrupt the flow of
ideas from one board to another
and thus slowing progression.
● There are limited keyboard
shortcuts.
9. The Winner!
Along with emailing and iLearn, the Broncos will be using Google Drive to
collaborate with each other over the course of the semester!
Why Google Drive?
● It is the easiest to access: All group members can access Google Drive at
any time and from any location.
● It is not necessary to have a gmail account to edit projects.
● Allows you to create documents, presentations, drawings. Also, many apps
with different capabilities can be connected to Google Drive.
● It makes the most sense! Being students, constantly on the go, Google
Drive is easy to access, quick to learn how to use, and gets the job done!