The document evaluates and compares several group collaboration tools based on criteria like being free, multi-platform, offering real-time updates and mobile apps. It analyzes tools like AnyMeeting, Google Docs, Etherpad, Teambox and Trello, detailing their pros and cons. Based on meeting the criteria of being free, allowing real-time editing and access from any device, Google Docs and Trello were selected as the best tools for the group's collaboration needs.

1. PROJECT TASK #1: GROUP
COLLABORATION TOOLS
SFSU ISYS 363 - Fall 2013 - Section 01
Raiders

2. GROUP COLLABORATION
INTRODUCTION
The features expected for our group collaboration tools
include:
- The service must be free
- Multiplatform (Mac and Windows)
- Easy to understand
- Email Integrated
- Calendar Integration (to keep track of deadlines)
- Offers a mobile app
- Real time updates

3. GROUP COLLABORATION
INTRODUCTION
In addition to the features, we expect the group to use
collaborative tools; our main criteria is to provide a free
service and real time updates.
Some concerns are the limitations of each tool: Will it be
able to accommodate our group size and will it track
specific changes an individual made to the file?
Google Docs is a prominent market leader within group
collaboration tools. Dropbox and Skype are also market
leaders within those respective categories. Our project
focuses on tools that are not widely used, but are just as
effective resources for group collaborations.

4. ANYMEETING (WEB CONFERENCING)
Pros:
● Quick sign-up
● Free support is included
● Completely web-based, no need to download software for basic setup
● Offers scheduling flexibility (can use immediately, or schedule for future
meetings)
Cons:
● There are ads for the free version
● Must download an additional application to utilize screen sharing
capabilities
● Lacks customization for meeting screen.
● Free subscribers can’t download meeting recordings (both video and
audio).

5. GOOGLE DOCS (WEB-BASED OFFICE SUITE)
Pros:
● Can access it anywhere as long as there is internet connection
● Strong version control is enabled
● Multiple people can work on the assignment at the same time
● A free service
Cons:
● Security Concerns - Information is stored in Google servers
● Limited presentation program (lacks diverse selection of templates,
graph tools, and layout themes).
● Can’t access offline

6. ETHERPAD (REAL TIME COLLABORATIVE EDITOR)
Pros:
● Free
● You can chat with the instant messenger in real time
● You can collaborate in real-time (with document updates every half
second) and edits are color coded by each different author.
● Can import/export in many different formats (including HTML, PDF)
Cons:
● Limited to only text documents
● Very simple, not too many tools
● Limited password protection and access control features

7. TEAMBOX (COLLABORATION PLATFORM)
Pros:
● Can be used for mobile devices
● Has simple task manager, and real-time communication tools to keep the
group on track for assignments
● Up to 5 GB of storage under its free plan
Cons:
● The free plan doesn't include group chat within the website
● Limited to 5 users
● Not designed for large, complex projects

8. TRELLO (PROJECT MANAGEMENT)
Pros
• Offers a mobile app, compatible in Windows and Mac operating Systems
• Free
• Provides real time updates
• Highly visual and offers a user friendly interface that provides visual
“boards” to organize projects.
Cons:
• Within the design system, cards in one project cannot be linked to cards
in another project.
• Limited email integration
• Limited color coding selection for project organization
• No calendar

9. OUR WINNERS...
Based on our criteria and expected features for group
collaboration tools, we chose Google Docs, and Trello.
Google Docs are easy for everyone to access and all of
us can work on it at the same time. Google docs saves a
copy of our project online so we can have instant access
anywhere that has an internet connection.
Trello allows us to create a project and access it to see
each of our group member’s activity. We can also look at
what tasks have been completed and what tasks need to
be completed.

10. REFERENCES
AnyMeeting
● http://mobileoffice.about.com/od/conferencing-and-collaboration/fr/freebinar-review.htm
● http://www.pcworld.com/article/251417/anymeeting_now_makes_online_meetings_free_and_simple.h
Google Docs
● www.willamette.edu/wits/help/google/docs.html
● http://www.google.com/enterprise/apps/business/benefits.html
Etherpad
● http://etherpad.org/#about
● http://howto.informationactivism.org/content/etherpad-lite
Teambox
● http://www.pcworld.com/article/238242/teambox.html
● http://teambox.com/platform/pricing/
Trello
● http://www.businessbee.com/resources/news/operations-buzz/buzzbattle-basecamp-vs-trello-
which-project-management-tool-is-best-for-business/