Improve Team Communication with the Best Cloud Collaboration Tools 2023
Good team communication is a major factor in productivity increase. See what cloud collaboration tools companies should use in 2023.
Since the pandemic hit, the need for cloud collaboration tools has increased greatly. Even on-premise businesses that don't have remote teams see the benefit in using such softwares. These tools have many uses like project management, storage management, and knowledge sharing.
Modern businesses develop a culture around collaboration tools, so knowing the best options is very important. In this article, we will go over the the top collaboration tools and what are the criteria for choosing the best fit for your needs.
Our top for cloud collaboration software for productivity and file sharing.
- Microsoft office tools
- Google Workspace
- Slack
- Asana
- Sync.com
- Notion
What are cloud collaboration tools?
A cloud collaboration tool is a type of software platform that enables teams to work on projects or assign tasks from any physical location. It provides a centralized space where users can share files, communicate, and collaborate in real-time.
These tools are typically cloud-based. This means that they are accessed through the internet and hosted on remote servers. The features of such a software are designed to facilitate team collaboration, streamline workflows, and improve productivity.
The most important ones are project management tools, document collaboration, file sharing, instant messaging, video conferencing, screen sharing, and task management.
What types of collaboration tools are there?
What makes online collaboration tools so important in a company is their ability to complete each other. You might be more interested in using only one, but they usually come in packs because of the different features they have.
A cloud based collaboration software can be categorised in the goal they achieve as follows:
- Communication tools - A team collaboration software engages with productivity tools for real-time communication through instant messaging, email, or video conferencing.
- Project management tool - Teams are able to manage projects, track progress, and manage tasks across multiple platforms.
- Document collaboration tools - Multiple users can edit and collaborate on documents in the cloud storage, in real-time, such as spreadsheets, presentations, and word processing documents. File sharing is done quickly with these cloud collaboration tools.
- Workflow automation tools - These tools automate repetitive tasks, such as approvals, notifications, and reminders, to streamline workflows and improve efficiency.
- Social collaboration tools - Interactions and team building among remote teams are facilitated, such as virtual water-coolers, team chatbots, and virtual events.
To maximize productivity and workflow, mix and match these features to fit your business needs. Many collaboration softwares offer a range of such tools, so two or three platforms to use daily are enough.
Top cloud collaboration tools
Microsoft 365 - a Comprehensive Collaboration Solution
Microsoft 365 (also known as Microsoft Office) is a powerful collection of apps designed for productivity, collaboration, and project management. The suite of applications run on all operating systems, including Web, Mac, Windows, IOS and Android. So, you won't have an issue with cross platform working.
The most used apps are Work, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneDrive, and Microsoft Teams. They make remote collaboration easy between teams and project managers, and have multiple features that streamline workflow. These features include team messaging, online meetings, and ability to share files.
While Microsoft Office doesn't offer free tools, it's plans are worth the price. Bellow you can see the plans and pricing for small businesses
Plans and Pricing
Microsoft 365 Business Basic - $6.00/ mo
Microsoft 365 Business Standard - $12.50/ mo
Microsoft 365 Business Premium - $22.00/ mo
Microsoft 365 Apps for business - $8.25/ mo
Cloud Collaboration Tool - Google Workspace
Google Workspace is another comprehensive communications platform between team members. With this suite of services, your small business can ensure task management, team collaboration, and provide seamless integration with other apps.
This cloud collaboration software offers many useful tools, such as Docs, Spreadsheets, Gmail, Google Drive, Calendar, and Google Meets under one umbrella. You enjoy video conferencing tools, cloud storage, schedule meetings, and more.
While there is a free plan for personal use, companies should go for the business plans as they are better suited for their needs.
Plans and Pricing
Business Starter - $6/ mo
Business Standard - $12/ mo
Business Plus - $18/ mo
Enterprise - custom pricing
Enable Team Communication with Slack
If you're looking for cloud collaboration tools that can be integrated with many other apps and allows instant messaging, Slack is a top choice. You can communicate instantly with any team member, store files in a personal chat, and sync with other tools.
Some of the most integrated softwares with Slack are Asana, Zoom, and Google Workspace (especially Google Drive). The app allows audio and video calls with your colleagues to discuss quickly, team messaging in group chats, and import files.
The platform has a free plan or a priced one, depending on your needs.
Plans and Pricing
Free - $0/ mo
Pro - $7.25/ mo
Business - $12.5/ mo
Enterprise Grid - custom pricing
Cloud Collaboration with Asana
Asana is a very popular collaboration tool for project management. It is highly customizable and intuitive, perfect for easy access to project boards, to do lists, and task assignment. Your marketing teams will love its layout and organization sections.
Besides being a project management tool, it help automate workflow, streamline reports, and organize intakes. It can be easily integrated with Microsoft Teams, Adobe Creative Cloud, and more.
Use the free plan for personal use, or pick a premium one that fits your business needs.
Plans and Pricing
Basic - €0/ mo
Premium - €10.99/ mo
Business - €24.99/ mo
Sync.com
Connect all team members and partners with one platform - Sync.com. Everyone is on the same page with news and changes, and are kept in the loop. You can also keep an eye on the documents and files on multiple devices, at any time.
While it's not exactly a task management tool, cloud based collaboration is still intact. Teams can access document and edit them from the file storage place online. Sync.com is secure and constantly backs-up your work so you don't lose it.
Plans and Pricing
Solo basic - $8/ mo
Solo professional - $20/ mo
Teams standard - $6/ mo
Teams unlimited - $15/ mo
Cloud Collaboration Solution - Notion
Notion keeps all your work in one place, without much trouble. Using the project management app, you are able to centralize information, communicate in docs, and streamline task management.
Create simple to do lists, organized issue boards, and track task progress. Easily integrate Notion with Slack, Jira, and more, to keep team messaging, video calling, and file storage always maximized.
Use Notion individually with the free plan or integrate it to your company or small business needs.
Plans and Pricing
Free - $0/ mo
Plus - $8/ mo
Business - $15/ mo
Enterprise - custom pricing
How to select the best collaboration tools?
The whole point of a collaboration tool is to enable seamless collaboration. Look for tools that allow file sharing, working on documents together, and cloud storage services. Team members should be able to have video calls that allow screen sharing and communicate through instant messaging.
When searching for cloud collaboration tools, there are several factors to consider to make sure it is the right fit. Here are some things to look for, that a great cloud collaboration tool offers:
Security and data privacy
The tools that offer robust security features are the ones you should look at first. Many companies and small businesses work with sensitive information, that cannot go outside their database. So, having good security in your cloud collaboration tool is a must.
The features to look for include two-factor authentication, encryption, SSO tools, and access controls to protect sensitive data. And the best thing is, most collaboration softwares already offer these features.
Integration and compatibility
If you already use other software tools, such as CRM or email marketing tools, look for a collaboration platform that integrates easily with them. This is important to streamline workflow and save time, as well as increase communication between team members via mobile apps.
The tool you choose must also be compatible with your existing software and hardware. This includes your operating system, browsers, and mobile devices. To ensure compatibility, check the list of integrations and compatibility requirements of the collaboration tool before selecting and implementing it.
Ease of use and accessibility
Don't spend a lot of time to learn how a cloud collaboration tool works. The best ones have an intuitive interface and are easy to understand. Plus, if you're unsure about the platform, you can always go for another one and not have wasted too much energy. A good idea is to get a demo account to play around with.
Besides an easy to use interface, customization and flexibility are important features to look for in cloud collaboration apps. Meet your team needs with customized settings, workflows, and permissions, on any device they use for work.
Support and scalability
Especially for small businesses, constant customer support is very important. The best online collaboration tools offer it 24/7, through multiple channels, because you can never know when something goes wrong. Get access to fasttechnical support, online help resources, and community forums.
Scalability is another factor to weigh in when deciding what collaboration tool to use. You want the platform to be able to grow with your business, not prompt you to find a different collaborative software. Look for tools that offer different pricing tiers or plans so you can scale up or down as needed.
Conclusion
Streamline all business activities and keep them in one place, in a good cloud collaboration software. Engage with your team through instant messaging and video calling. Automate workflow with collaboration tools that allow file sharing and have high cloud storage.
Use the best project management app that fits the needs of you and your team. The collaboration tools we talked about in this article are sure to help increase productivity and give flexibility. They are very customizable, with an easy-to-navigate dashboard.
