🚀 The Top 5 Collaboration Software Tools for Distributed Teams
Collaboration is key to success in today's business world, especially with the rise of distributed teams. With so many software products based in the cloud, technology buyers have many options to choose from. In this article, we'll take a look at five of the best collaboration software tools for both bridging physical distances and making your team more productive.
📋 Table of Contents
- **G Suite** - A Suite of Different Applications from Google
- **Microsoft 365** - A Suite of Cloud-Based Business Applications from Microsoft
- **Slack** - A Lean but Powerful Collaboration Tool
- **ClickUp** - The One App to Replace Them All
- **Airtable** - A Powerful Collaboration Tool That Helps Teams Stay Organized
G Suite
G Suite might be one of the best-known tools for collaboration, and it definitely lives up to the hype. As the name implies, G Suite is a suite of different applications from Google that is used by businesses, schools, and non-profit organizations alike. Some of these apps include cloud storage, word processing, email, and video and voice conferencing. Apps like Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides allow for live collaboration, version history, link sharing, and access control. You can also add comments and highlights to other documents like PDF or JPEG files uploaded to Google Drive. G Suite also comes with strong security features like user permissions, multi-factor authentication, automated security alerts, and context-aware access control.
Pros
- Live collaboration
- Version history
- Link sharing and access control
- Strong security features
Cons
- Limited offline access
- Limited customization options
Microsoft 365
Previously known as Office 365, Microsoft 365 is a suite of cloud-based business applications from software giant Microsoft. Here you'll find web and mobile versions of Microsoft Office apps you already know, like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Just like G Suite, Microsoft 365 also comes with tools for cloud storage, email, and video and voice conferencing through Microsoft Teams. Being cloud-based, Microsoft 365 allows for real-time collaboration, link sharing, and access control for apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. However, depending on which plan you choose, some applications are not available as cloud-based solutions. Microsoft Access, for example, a database management tool, is currently only available as a desktop application.
Pros
- Real-time collaboration
- Link sharing and access control
- Integration with Microsoft Office apps
- Strong security features
Cons
- Limited offline access
- Limited customization options
Slack
If you're looking for something a little bit lighter, Slack is a lean but powerful collaboration tool. Known to most as an internal instant messaging tool, Slack also comes with features for file sharing, integration with other applications, and voice and video calling. Using Slack, businesses can create their own workspaces to create a unique login page with individual accounts for every user. But Slack goes beyond simple instant messaging. One of the system's most useful features is commands, which lets users execute a number of different functions by hitting the backslash button into the message bar. Using commands, you can set reminders for yourself and others, set yourself to active or away, toggle do not disturb mode, create polls, and more. Slack apps also help you get more out of the tools you already use, with apps from Microsoft OneDrive, Google Drive, Jira, Zoom, HubSpot, and more.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Commands for executing different functions
- Integration with other applications
- Customizable workspaces
Cons
- Limited file storage
- Limited customization options
ClickUp
ClickUp builds itself as the one app to replace them all, a cloud-based collaboration tool for teams of all sizes. ClickUp comes with a long list of tools, including to-do lists, reminders, project management, docs and wikis, spreadsheets, events, email, and chat. While ClickUp doesn't offer its own spreadsheet app or email client, it can replace many apps you probably already use. Even if you don't want to replace certain apps, ClickUp might be able to integrate with them. For example, ClickUp does offer a native time tracking tool, but it also integrates with popular time tracking apps like Harvest. Beyond offering a number of different features, ClickUp also lets you create custom views which you can share with anyone. You can organize information as a list, a board, a Gantt chart, a form, and as an embed. This lets you set up workflows and dashboards for the way you work. And ClickUp also comes with pre-built templates to help you get started faster, built to mimic the look of spreadsheets and the functionality of databases.
Pros
- Customizable views
- Integration with other apps
- Pre-built templates
- Native time tracking tool
Cons
- Limited offline access
- Limited customization options
Airtable
Built to mimic the look of spreadsheets and the functionality of databases, Airtable is a powerful collaboration tool that helps teams stay organized while they work together. You can add unique field types to your tables so you can view all of your information in one place. Add fields for a single line of text, file attachments, links to other records, check boxes, and more, and then visualize them the way you like using a grid, calendar, gallery, or kanban view. Perhaps one of the biggest advantages of Airtable is that it works like a database. This means you can link records between tables, creating relationships between data and reducing the need for duplicate data entry. Airtable also integrates with a wide variety of other tech products, including Asana, Google Drive, Stripe, and Zendesk.
Pros
- Customizable field types
- Visualization options
- Works like a database
- Integration with other tech products
Cons
- Limited offline access
- Limited customization options
🎉 Highlights
- G Suite and Microsoft 365 are two of the most popular collaboration software tools.
- Slack is a great option for businesses looking for a lightweight collaboration tool.
- ClickUp is a powerful collaboration tool that can replace many apps you already use.
- Airtable is a great option for teams that need to organize large amounts of data.
❓ FAQ
Q: What is the best collaboration software tool for small businesses?
A: Slack is a great option for small businesses looking for a lightweight collaboration tool.
Q: What is the best collaboration software tool for large businesses?
A: ClickUp is a powerful collaboration tool that can replace many apps you already use, making it a great option for large businesses.
Q: Can I use G Suite or Microsoft 365 offline?
A: Both G Suite and Microsoft 365 have limited offline access, but most of their features require an internet connection.
Q: Can I customize the look and feel of these collaboration software tools?
A: Most of these collaboration software tools have limited customization options, but some, like ClickUp and Airtable, offer more flexibility.
Q: How do I choose the right collaboration software tool for my business?
A: Consider your team's needs, budget, and the features you require when choosing a collaboration software tool. Use our product selection tool at technologyadvice.com to get a free short list of software recommendations.
