The Main Tools to Communicate and Collaborate Online
Distance is not a problem. Online collaboration allows us to multiply the opportunities offered by the global market.
Current technology provides us with tons of tools to help us perform several tasks more effectively and allows collaborators, who may be tens of thousands of miles away, to work on the same project, give their contribution and exchange information while comfortably seating at their desk.
Most importantly, you do not have to be an expert on this subject: the most widespread software is, in most cases, also extremely intuitive.
Let’s take a look at some basic tools to communicate and collaborate online.
THE CLOUD
The ongoing use of smartphones, tablets, and laptops has allowed us to be connected anytime, anywhere. Hence the need to constantly access our files, during working and non-working hours. This is now possible thanks to the cloud.
It is a virtual and personal storage space -protected by a password- where files are saved and synchronized on all of our devices. So we can simply access and edit any file from anywhere, whenever we wish. By logging into our cloud, we can view, edit and instantly share our documents with anyone, including -for instance- our CPA who might currently be located on another continent.
File-sharing also allows you to determine if the other part can edit, download or only view your documents.
Another important feature is backup. By saving our files in the cloud, we will have a very useful solution in case of “incidents.” If our PC suddenly dies out, we can always retrieve all of our files and folders from our cloud storage account.
The cloud is especially important when files are too large to be shared via email.
If you have any email, Gmail or Microsoft account then you already have your own cloud: Google Drive or OneDrive. And do not forget about the popular Dropbox and Apple’s iCloud.
SKYPE
There are many VoIP tools, but Skype remains the most popular way to make free phone calls and video calls around the world.
It is an ideal tool to organize online conferences and meetings and maintain international business relationships. It allows sharing your screen and I.M. with your contacts. It can be used from your smartphone, your PC/laptop and even on a TV screen, once enabled.
The popular I.M. app, originally available for smartphones only, now can also be used on PC screens. It allows you to call, share text and vocal messages, pictures, etc. Definitely a very useful tool for short and frequent updates and catch-ups and a great way to stay in touch.
These are the main basic tools to set-up an effective business collaboration. Obviously, there are many other online tools out there, many of which are meant to manage particular tasks and activities based on specific areas of expertise. We strongly recommend taking all the opportunities offered by the World Wide Web. Online collaborating is possible and makes everything faster and easier.
Our firm is at your disposal to evaluate which could be the best procedures, channels, and tools for effective collaboration, get in touch.