Which Cloud-Based Collaboration Tool is Right for Your Business?

Cloud Collaboration Tools For Large & Small Organizations

How familiar are you to the various cloud-based apps and tools for your business. Compare them to see which ones fit your business. 

The cloud-based applications and tools for improving collaboration and security, streamlining project management and operations, and enhancing existing solutions seems overwhelming. How can you choose? It takes app-to-app comparisons to know which cloud-based tools work well for your business. A lot goes into the decision-making process of adopting a new app or tool including examining the cost and integration with existing apps. To help in the decision, we have evaluated several cloud-based collaboration tools in side-by-side comparisons for you.

Instant Messenger Solutions

Slack

Slack may look as if it is the more expensive choice due to their free subscription offer. With the free subscription, you get a stripped-down tool for an unlimited quantity of users. However, the free and paid options encompass a wide range of options including data security and encryption, synchronization, file sharing and browsing, iOS and Android apps, voice and video calls and webhooks.

HipChat

HipChat doesn’t have the same number of features as Slack, but it does provide a good communication option for smaller businesses that are on a limited budget. HipChat’s features include screen and file sharing, voice and video calling, and synchronization, all which make sharing ideas across unlimited chatrooms easy to do. HipChat offers a free 30-day trial version before you need to pay for a monthly subscription.

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Office Suite Solutions

Office 365

Microsoft has been producing cloud-based software which is apparent by their subscription package. Microsoft has a range of plans to fit any size business including Office 365 Business Essentials and Enterprise E5. Office 365 offers 1TB of file storage for each user without taking into account the amount of email storage in Outlook. Office 365 is very popular and easily integrates with most existing business software. You also have access to Yammer and Stream as part of the solution package.

G-Suite

G-suite includes email storage as part of the total, but you can get unlimited storage if you subscribe to their Business plan for more than five users. This can be the most cost-effective solution for some businesses. Another reason to subscribe to G-Suite is its scalability and doesn’t restrict the plan to a number of users. G-Suite also gives you the ability to create documents from two sources–G-Suite and Office 365.

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Video Conferencing Solutions

Cisco Webex

Cisco Webex has a higher price for an annual subscription, but with that, you get security from a leader in the industry. Cisco’s system comes equipped with a multi-layered security package that ensures every user is protected and their messages encrypted. Webex is easy to navigate, and has a steady, reliable connection.

Skype for Business

Skype for Business offers a variety of features including one-to-one voice and video calls, voice messages, and group screen sharing. Skype has security built into the platform to keep unauthorized users out while data is protected. It offers a safe, secure method to converse with co-workers, clients and prospects. Skype for Business integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Office 365 and offers other Microsoft plans such as Business Essentials and Business Premium.

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There are a wide range of cloud-based systems available to assist with collaboration, but not everyone is a good fit for your business. You can evaluate each one to determine which solutions are the perfect fit and functionality for your company.