Collaboration tools are rapidly becoming the heart of many internal communication strategies. Why force your employees to jump from email, to video and messaging apps, when they can access all the features they need for communication and teamwork in the same simplified space?
Collaboration platforms are more than just places to share files and launch conference calls. These convenient tools provide a central hub where team members can share information and work together to achieve crucial goals. What’s more, because these environments are hosted on the cloud, they’re accessible to team members anywhere. That means that remote and mobile workers stay in the loop.
With the right collaboration platform, you can achieve improved productivity and efficiency with any team. However, for many small businesses, it’s hard to find the extra cash for an immersive collaboration solution. Fortunately, there are a number of free versions available that can provide you with all the functionality you could need.
1. Slack
Probably the best-known tool for collaboration in the marketplace today, Slack help to introduce the world to a new style of teamwork. Designed to help people communicate and collaborate in an easy-to-use environment, Slack offers everything from team and private messaging, to powerful smartphone apps so that people can stay connected on the go.
One major differentiating feature of Slack is how many other tools it can integrate with. With a robust app marketplace, you can customise your Slack experience to suit you. Other features include:
- Easy-to-use platform for communication with intelligent search
- Streamlined workflow with API for unique development
- Integrate with a host of other services, including Trello, Asana, and Google Drive
- Access calling and video chat features
- Share files and documents with drag-and-drop functionality
2. Microsoft Teams
While the best version of Microsoft Teams is available for a price (just like with Slack), the free version is well worth your consideration too. If you’re only running a small business, then you’ll get more than enough functionality from the free version of Microsoft Teams to replace your reliance on Skype for Business.
This sensational platform is one of the fastest-growing in the world, bringing together reliable chat, file sharing, messaging and more in a shared workspace. The free version of Microsoft Teams is also available for as many as 300 people. Features include:
- Unlimited messaging and search
- Built-in audio and video calling
- Up to 10GB team storage plus 2GB for each individual person
- Integrated real-time content creation with Office 365 apps
- Unlimited app integrations with over 100 business apps
- Communicate inside or outside of your organisation with a secure infrastructure
3. Workplace from Facebook
Just like Microsoft and Slack, Facebook offers a range of paid packages for those who want to upgrade the functionality of their chat technology. However, if you’re a small business that wants to put team collaboration to the test for the first time, you can always try the free version of Workplace from Facebook. If you use Facebook, then you’ll feel more than comfortable using Workplace.
The solution is designed to be as simple and accessible as possible, allowing all members of a team to come together in an immersive communication landscape. Picking up Workplace is a breeze, making it excellent for companies that might struggle with adoption. Features include:
