For decades, email stood unchallenged as the primary vehicle for business communication, not even instant messaging could shift it from its perch.
But the rise of mobile devices and applications, has seen demand for an evolution.Slack has popularised the concept, offering features, integrations and organisational tools that are making teams more productive.
With the right tech and software, you can run your business from the comfort of your home or a co-working environment.
And when you begin to grow and take on employees, they can also work wherever they want.They let you communicate and work on tasks with your co-workers in real-time, regardless of where you happen to be.
You dont even have to own a business perhaps youre a freelancer.But which tools should you use Weve all heard of Slack, but is it right for your business Perhaps you need an app that focused on organisation rather than communication Never fear, help is here.1.
SlackA collaboration tool which needs no introductionPlatforms: Web, Windows, iOS, Android, Windows Phone | Features: Drag-and-drop files, on-desktop notifications, group projects | Video calls: Yes | Integrations: Dropbox, Google Docs, Box | Free trial: Free version availableExcellent interfaceImpressive free versionSome might want more depth in securitySlack is without doubt a mighty collaboration tool, with millions of users around the globe.
Its an incredibly smart platform, and you can get it on mobile and desktop devices.
It allows for the sending of direct messages (DMs) and files to a single person or a group of employees, and theres the ability to organise conversations into different channels (perhaps for specific projects, one for technical support, general chat, and so forth).The app also supports video calling.
You can use the feature to talk to your colleagues about projects and work in-depth, without having to type everything into a DM.
While this isnt a replacement for cloud storage services, you are able to drag, drop and share files with your colleagues directly within Slack.
Its also compatible with services such as Google Drive, Dropbox and Box.To round things off, Slack even has a free version, although unsurprisingly it has limitations (in terms of the number of messages stored, overall storage space and so forth).Most recently, Slack agreed a partnership with GitHub to help developers who use the platform to keep track of projects.
GitHub has its own slash command which will set up default notifications for a code repository2.
AsanaPlatforms: Web, iOS, Android | Features: To-do lists, project templates, dashboards | Video calls: Yes | Integrations: Slack, Dropbox, Github | Free trial: YesProject trackingHandy integrationsOther apps have better comms featuresAsana has been around since 2008, making it a veteran in the collaboration arena, and companies such as Intel, Uber, Pinterest and TED all use it as their core method of communication.Its been designed as an easy way for companies to track the work of employees and to get the best possible results.
Using the platform, you can create to-do lists for ongoing projects, set reminders for upcoming deadlines and send requests to colleagues.
Team members can also assign comments to posts within the app.You can organise all your projects in a list or board format, and theres a search function so you can locate past work quickly.
In short, Asana is a very effective way to stay super-organised and facilitate conversations when it comes to updates on how work is progressing.Asana recently raised $75m and added several new languages to continue its global growth plans, so it's worth keeping an eye on3.
PodioA mobile-friendly collaboration toolPlatforms: Web, iOS, Android | Features: File sharing, project tracking | Video calls: No | Integrations: Dropbox, Google Drive, Evernote, Zendesk, Campaign Monitor | Free trial: NoQuality mobile appsWide range of integrationsMultiple subscription plans may confuse somePodio describes itself as a flexible and customisable online platform for work and communication among teams.
In other words, it gives you a way to organise large stacks of work and to delegate tasks between employees.Just like many of the other business collaboration apps out there, Podio provides you with the tools to share files, view the status of ongoing projects and get feedback on the things youre currently working on.
These functionalities are combined into an easy-to-use interface.Podio is also equipped with quality mobile apps for when youre out and about, and need to use your smartphone or tablet, and it has an impressive amount of integration with third-party services and apps including Dropbox, Google Drive, Evernote and Zendesk.4.
RyverAn easy-to-use collaboration freebiePlatforms: Web, Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android | Features: Easy-to-use newsfeed, filters, file sharing | Video calls: No | Integrations: Dropbox, Gmail, Box, Basecamp, Yammer | Free trial: Free productEasy-to-use interfaceFree for unlimited users and no adsNot overly well-featuredRyver is similar to Slack, aiming to give your organisation a highly effective means of communication, and an easy way to talk over tasks, ensuring that deadlines are met.What makes Ryver a compelling option is the fact that you can create as many teams as you want within the app, and easily categorise them to boot.
As is the case with Slack, you can use the platform to set up chats with groups and individuals.There are some interesting filters, too.
You can control who sees the things you say and post in the app, and obviously enough, join the teams that are most relevant to you.
All company posts are located within a Facebook-style newsfeed, and you can mark posts to come back to them later on.Theres also a host of native clients across mobile and desktop, including Mac and Linux and best of all, this is a free product.
You cant say fairer than that (a paid-for premium version called Ryver Task will ship eventually).5.
TrelloAn app for organising all your projectsPlatforms: Web, iOS, Android | Features: Create boards and lists, flexible project management | Video calls: No | Integrations: Evernote, GitHub, Google Drive, Slack | Free trial: Free version availableClean, easy-to-use interfaceFree versionNot many comms featuresIf you have ever looked into project management software and online collaboration tools, then no doubt youve come across Trello.
Available on the web and with mobile apps, it lets you easily organise projects and work on them with colleagues.The platform allows you to work with boards or lists, which can be organised by teams and different tasks.
And within these, you can set up to-do lists and delegate amongst colleagues.
Theres also the option to assign comments to cards a quick way to give feedback to others.Furthermore, Trello boasts a number of integrations with apps such as Evernote, GitHub, Google Drive and Slack.
You can download the app for free, but there are premium options available which give access to more features.The most recent addition You can now add Emojis to cards, adding a whole new level of communication for teams.6.
FlockA communication-focused Slack alternativePlatforms: Web, iOS, Android | Features: File sharing, group chats | Video calls: Yes | Integrations: Yes | Free trial: Free version availableEasy to use interfaceNeat productivity toolsFree to useFlock is another application very similar to Slack but is arguably a little less daunting to use and offers more comprehensive communication tools.Flock supports channels for different teams as well as 1:1 or group conversations.
Users can search through messages, files and links and Flock will find it no matter who sent it and where.There are audio and video calls and screen sharing as well as productivity tools such as polls, note sharing and reminders, while users can assign tasks to certain members of the group.Theres also integrations with third party applications like Google Drive and Twitter, with notifications appearing directly in channels.Flock is free to use, but searches are limited to 10,000 messages, there is a 5GB storage limit and only five third party integrations are permitted.
A Pro plan adds unlimited search, 10GB of storage per user, and admin controls, while the Enterprise plan ads 20GB of storage per user, more admin controls and dedicated support.yjhMnuk5uqnm5HAmno8afj.jpg#