The days when colleagues would huddle around a conference room table brainstorming ideas have largely passed. With 24% of the workforce now telecommuting from home on a regular basis, businesses are looking for digital tools that they can use to foster a sense of teamwork among those employees outside the office.
Unlike their colleagues from previous generations, professionals in Generation Y feel completely comfortable working in a digital environment. Many grew up using instant messaging and chat rooms to communicate with friends, which means using collaboration apps to work with colleagues outside the office isn’t such a stretch.
Online collaboration software makes it possible for groups of people to share ideas, transfer files, and work simultaneously on documents regardless of their physical locations. The functionality of dedicated collaboration applications has improved significantly in the past five years, as real-time editing tools and video communication features become increasingly common.
We have selected six of the best collaboration apps available on our site, which you can review below.
Leankit
LeanKit puts visual process management in the cloud with instant workflow visibility. By dragging and dropping cards on a virtual whiteboard, users can build visual processes and access board updates in real time. LeanKit is based on the principles of Kanban, a Lean/Agile methodology that emphasizes iterative work cycles and continuous process improvement. With LeanKit, teams can make their workflows visible, making it easier to communicate complex information at a glance. Price: Freemium
Intralinks
Intralinks VIA offers secure, scalable file-sharing letting you store all of your content online. Access, manage, share, and UNshare from anywhere, anytime. This is an enterprise-grade file sync and sharing tool. Price: Starting from $5/month
Mavenlink
Mavenlink is an online project management, collaboration and professional services automation software. The SaaS platform enables professional service providers and their clients to efficiently manage projects from start to finish. Mavenlink includes collaboration, professional services automation, and networks. Price: Freemium
AtTask
AtTask is an online collaboration software that provides a 360-degree view of all workplace activities, helping both team members and management alike to better understand and organize their work, improving workflows and productivity. With AtTask, managers can evaluate potential and current projects, set sound strategic and financial objectives, validate corporate initiatives, and promote and execute those projects that provide the greatest business value. Price: Starting from $39.95/month
Easy Projects
Easy Projects gives you the power to quickly take the pulse of what’s happening within your business and projects. It helps you get better organized and gain visibility into tasks, availability of resources, and your profitability. Easy Projects ensures that your projects are completed on budget and on time. Price: Starting from $15.30/month
Podio
Achieve more, together. Escape email overload and document chaos with Podio, the collaborative work platform. Podio fits your needs in minutes with the power of Podio Apps. Users can get work done from anywhere with Podio’s free iPhone, iPad, and Android apps. Professionals can move away from email into social activity streams, and set up unlimited workspaces for their projects, teams, and clients. Price: Starting from $9/month
