8 Best Online Collaboration Tools for Small Business

Monica Morris • Dec 30, 2020

Whether your company is used to a remote workforce or you were abruptly pushed into it by the pandemic restrictions, it is essential that you have the best online collaboration tools for your team to work together effectively.

Even without sharing physical space, your employees need to work together as though they’re in the same office to maintain productivity.

Splashing together a bunch of tools won’t cut it, they must be tightly integrated and offer advanced collaboration features. There are many tools out there and it can be overwhelming to go through them all in order to select the best for your company. We have come up with a list of the best online collaboration tools to help your team work better.

Some of the online collaboration tools to improve your business include:

1. Microsoft 365
The familiar layout of Microsoft Office packages is brought to the fore in Office 365. It allows for collaborative editing and seamless team communication and tool integration.

Office 365 is a Popular cloud-based platform and the evolution of the most popular office software, Microsoft Office. Office 365 offers the ability to collaborate directly on the same files. Employees working remotely can collaborate on an Excel spreadsheet, presentation, or report written in Microsoft Word.

Microsoft 365 collaboration support is cloud-based and can be accessed on a variety of platforms including PC, Macs, Android, and iOs.

2. Slack
Slack is an excellent tool for collaboration. It is available on both mobile and desktop devices You can send direct messages to a single person or a group of employees and team members.

Slack has options for organizing conversations into different channels for specific projects or tasks. It supports video calling, files drag and drop and it is compatible with Google Drive, Dropbox, Salesforce and other web services.

3. G Suite
Google G Suite is built for collaboration. With the integration of various tools such as Google Docs, Sheets, and Meet, it is quite easy for employees to create documents, share files, and discuss project scope and progress.

The development of Google Workspace further enhances collaboration among team members.

4. Asana
Asana comes with excellent project tracking capabilities and easy integrations. It gives project managers the option to track the work of employees for result-driven management.

It allows the creation of to-do lists for ongoing projects. Users can set reminders for deadlines and request files and updates from colleagues. Comments can be assigned to posts within the app by team members.

Asana lets users organize projects in boards or list formats. If you need to find any information, the search function is there for quick checking. The app is designed for efficient conversation and organization.

5. Trello
Trello is a tool for project organization. Its interface is easy to use for team collaboration. If you want to be updated while on the go, the app is well-designed for such purposes.

The basic organization system of Trello is the boards or lists. Using these options team supervisors and members can organize a project and assign different tasks to team members.

You can add labels to cards or add comments to them for clarification or as feedback to other users. Trello integrates with apps such as Evernote, GitHub, Google Drive and Slack.

6. Podio
Podio has a very simple interface. Whether you are working on a project or closing a sale, all information related to the job or task is displayed on only one page and view. There is instant access to project progress.

What do you have extensions to augment is default functions such as cloud backup and time tracking system. It has advanced integration with a lot of third-party platforms such as Dropbox, GoToMeeting, and Google Drive.

Sharing files, checking the status of ongoing projects is all available in an accessible interface. Organizing large stacks of work and delegating tasks to team members is also straightforward.

7. Ryver
This is a comprehensive collaboration platform with a neat interface. It is similar to Slack and has an effective communication platform designed to help teams stay within deadlines.

You can create as many teams as you want within the app and categorize them as you like. Chatting can be done privately or via groups.

Ryver features some advanced filters for controlling who gets to see the things you say or post in the app. You can also join the teams that are most relevant to your current tasks. Company posts are displayed in a Facebook-style news feed.

8. Basecamp
This is a collaboration platform that brings the features of various software into one interface. Sorting through and managing information is quite simple.

Basecamp features message boards, chat functions, to-do-list, scheduling and check-in automation. There is also a single place for storing your documents, files, and folder.

As remote working gains wider adoption, collaboration tools will play more important roles in organizations. It is important that you choose the one that best fits your business. With this guide, you have the core features of some collaboration tools and how they can help your team be more productive.

Fort Wayne Indiana downtown
05 Jan, 2024
In an era where digital transformation is at its peak, businesses are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats in Fort Wayne, Indiana. With cybercriminals becoming more sophisticated, local companies must avoid these threats to safeguard their digital assets. As cybersecurity experts, SDTEK is dedicated to helping Fort Wayne businesses fortify their defenses against these ever-evolving threats. Understanding the Cyber Threat Landscape in Fort Wayne Like many thriving urban areas, Fort Wayne is home to a diverse range of businesses. The variety of enterprises here makes the city a vibrant economic hub, from bustling tech startups to established manufacturing companies. However, this diversity also makes the area a target for cybercriminals. The most common threats include phishing attacks, ransomware, data breaches, and malware. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are particularly vulnerable, often due to limited IT security resources. Recognizing these threats is the first step in building an effective defense strategy. Why Cybersecurity Matters More Than Ever for Local Businesses The consequences of cyber attacks can be devastating. They can lead to financial loss, damage to reputation, and legal implications if customer data is compromised. In today's interconnected world, the fallout from a security breach can extend far beyond the immediate damage, impacting customer trust and business continuity. Tailored Cybersecurity Strategies for Fort Wayne Businesses At SDTEK, we understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to cybersecurity. This is why we offer customized security strategies that cater to the specific needs of Fort Wayne businesses. Our approach includes: Risk Assessment: Evaluate your business's particular risks, considering factors unique to your industry and operational model. Employee Training: Empowering your staff with knowledge and best practices to recognize and prevent potential cyber threats. Implementing Robust Security Measures: This includes firewalls, anti-virus software, and secure Wi-Fi networks tailored to your business's specific needs. Regular Monitoring and Updates: Continuously monitor for threats and keep your security systems up-to-date to combat new and emerging threats. Best Practices for Cyber Hygiene In addition to tailored strategies, there are general best practices that every business in Fort Wayne can implement: Regularly update software and systems to patch vulnerabilities. Use strong, unique passwords and consider multi-factor authentication. Regularly back up data and store it securely. Establish a clear policy for handling sensitive data. Collaboration and Continuous Learning Cybersecurity is not a one-time effort but a continuous process. Collaboration between businesses and cybersecurity experts like SDTEK is crucial. We encourage Fort Wayne businesses to engage in local cybersecurity forums and workshops to stay informed about the latest threats and defenses. Conclusion In Fort Wayne, staying ahead of cyber threats is essential for the longevity and success of your business. By understanding the risks, implementing tailored strategies, and practicing good cyber hygiene, local businesses can significantly reduce their vulnerability to cyber-attacks. At SDTEK, we are committed to partnering with you in this journey, providing the expertise and support you need to protect your digital assets and thrive in a digital-first world. For more insights and assistance on cybersecurity solutions tailored for your Fort Wayne business, contact SDTEK . Your digital safety is our priority.
06 Dec, 2023
In today's digital landscape, cybersecurity is paramount to protect sensitive business information from falling into the wrong hands. As a business owner, you understand the value of securing your data and safeguarding your reputation. That's where dark web monitoring comes into play. What is Dark Web Monitoring? The dark web is a hidden part of the internet where illegal activities often take place, including the buying and selling of stolen data. Dark web monitoring involves scanning the dark web to identify any instances of your business's compromised information being traded or sold. By monitoring these underground networks, you gain valuable insights and can take immediate action to mitigate potential risks. Key Features and Benefits Real-time Alerts: Dark web monitoring provides real-time alerts, notifying you the moment your business's data appears on the dark web. This allows you to respond swiftly and take the necessary steps to protect your sensitive information. Comprehensive Coverage: Dark web monitoring casts a wide net across various dark web platforms, ensuring comprehensive coverage. It searches for mentions of your business, compromised credentials, financial information, and other sensitive data that may have been exposed. Access to an Expert Support Team: With dark web monitoring, you're not alone in the fight against cyber threats. You have access to an expert support team that can guide you through the process, answer your questions, and provide recommendations to strengthen your cybersecurity posture. Addressing Misconceptions Misconception 1: Dark web monitoring is only necessary for large businesses. Cybercriminals do not discriminate based on business size. Any organization, regardless of its scale, can become a target. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable as they often lack the robust security infrastructure that larger enterprises may have. Dark web monitoring is essential for all businesses, regardless of their size, to proactively protect their data. Misconception 2: Dark web monitoring is too technical to understand. While dark web monitoring may involve technical processes, the service providers are equipped to simplify the complexities for you. They will guide you through the setup, explain the monitoring process, and provide actionable insights in a user-friendly manner. You don't need to be a cybersecurity expert to benefit from dark web monitoring. Misconception 3: Dark web monitoring is expensive. The cost of dark web monitoring is a fraction of the potential financial and reputational damage that a data breach can cause. It's an investment in the security and longevity of your business. Additionally, many service providers offer flexible pricing options to suit different business needs, making it an affordable solution for businesses of all sizes. Conclusion As a business owner, the protection of your data is essential for the continuity and success of your organization. Dark web monitoring offers a proactive approach to cybersecurity, enabling you to identify and respond to potential threats swiftly. By leveraging real-time alerts, comprehensive coverage, and the support of experts, you can safeguard your sensitive information, maintain customer trust, and protect your business from reputational damage. Don't wait until it's too late. Invest in dark web monitoring to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals and gain the peace of mind you deserve. Your business's security is worth it.
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