Open Source Collaboration Tools

Submitted By stephanieb721
Words: 1078
Pages: 5

Abstract

This report is being written involving collaboration with other students in the class. We are collaborating to develop criteria for evaluation of five open source communication and collaboration tools. The intention is to provide us with an idea of the different tools available for advancing telecommunications in organizations. The goal is to select 3 of the top collaboration tools available.

Context

I will be developing this report to review different open source collaboration and communication tools. Technology has made many options available allowing for a selection that will suite your companies needs. As this assignment as already taught us that good communication is key to successfully collaborating on any project, I hope to gain insight on programs that can assist me both as a student and as employee.

The agreed upon criteria will be as follows (Collaboration):

Features – What does the tool do
Compatibility – does it play well on mobile, file types and different operating systems
Support – Is there good documentation and support files to back up the software
Additional fees/cost – Any associated cost

Introduction

In conducting research, it has become clear that there are many tools options available for enhancing collaboration throughout an organization. In making your selection, you must develop criteria that suit your organizational needs to ensure compatibility and success. I have reviewed five collaboration tools below with emphasis on the criteria we have collectively decided upon.

Issues and Questions

These are the five collaboration tools I have researched along with the emphasis on agreed upon criteria.

1. Open Atrium

Open Atrium is an open source collaboration software that allows organizations to connect their teams, knowledge and projects securely while easily integrating your existing software.

Features (Phase2 Technology, 2013)

Documents
Create, attach, store
Events
Manage with integrated calendars
Multimedia
Embed store, and access files, images & videos
Worktracker
Monitors projects, milestones & deliverables.
Customization
40+ fully responsive payouts, configurable banners & unlimited colors
Build to scale
Flexible framework is built to scale to grow with your organization

Compatibility (Softonic International, 2014)

Mobile Optimized
Windows
Linux
Mac OS X
Unix

Support (Phase2 Technology, 2013)
Learning tools
Online trainings, catalogues and course management
Tutorials & Tours
Guides and trains users with in-line walkthroughs

Cost

Free software allowing for new features that will not move you into a new “pricing tier” and no recurring licensing fees (Phase2 Technology, 2013).

2. Redbooth (Redbooth, 2013)

Team box creates synergy by having a shared space for discussions, files and task allowing teams to coordinated (Redbooth, 2013).

Features
Create and manage tasks
Task reporting for viewing project milestones
Real-time discussions using HD video conferencing, screen sharing and group chat
Create and respond to tasks, discussions from your email inbox

Compatibility (Redbooth, 2013)
Microsoft Outlook 2007
Microsoft Outlook 2010
Microsoft Outlook 2013
Integrates with Drop box and Google drive for file sharing

Support
Online support
Webinars and tutorials

Cost (Redbooth, 2013)
Free
Up to 5 users
Up to 5 projects
Up to 5 GB storage
Google Drive integration
Pro $5 per user/month
Minimum 5 users
Unlimited storage and projects
Dropbox, Box and Google Drive integration
HD Video Conferencing
Priority support
On-premise $15 per user/month
Takes advantage of all the Free and Pro features in an easy to install On-Premise solution

3. Skype

Features (Skype and/or Microsoft)

Calling Phone calls to mobile and landlines
Video
Face to face, chat
Messaging
Instant messaging, voice messaging and text sending
Sharing
File, video and photo sharing

Compatibility