Collaborative Applications
Collaborative applications, collaborative software or groupware is application software designed to help people involved in a common task to achieve their goals. One of the earliest definitions of collaborative software is "intentional group processes plus software to support them".
In terms of the level of interaction it allows, collaborative software may be divided into: real-time collaborative editing (RTCE) platforms that allow multiple users to engage in live, simultaneous and reversible editing of a single file, like document collaboration app, and version control (also known as revision control and source control) platforms, which allow separate users to make parallel edits to a file, while preserving every saved edit by every user as multiple files (that are variants of the original file). The use of collaborative software in the work space creates a collaborative working environment (CWE).
There are three main categories of collaboration software based on their functional capabilities. Knowing how does collaboration software work can be gleaned from the tools employed.
Communication. Helps in the exchange of communication between groups. The most common communication tools that are used are systems and applications for email hosting, file sharing, project management and a website or online collaboration applications platform that can be readily accessed. Research findings have shown that file sharing is the most common and needed feature in collaboration software. Example tools: email, voicemail, instant messaging, VoIP or video calls.
Conferencing. Allows real-time collaboration among members. Groupware software tools make possible real-time discussions among project members through a virtual meeting room with a moderator who oversees the sharing of information. These web based collaboration applications meetings are helpful when there are important matters to be decided on by project members who are in various locations. Example tools: video conferencing, IM conferencing, online forums, social media group chats, community boards, application sharing.
Coordination. Assists in group activities, schedule and deliverables. Coordination software solutions are used for complex interdependent tasks to realize a common goal. Typical business collaboration app suits for time management, project management and online proofing so that team members are aware of deadlines, are properly coordinated, and can monitor the status of projects. Example tools: calendars, time trackers, spreadsheets, client portals, alerts and status updates
Compare of products in the category Collaborative Applications
Operating Systems Support |
License |
Mobile Access |
Document Management |
Word Processing |
DOC and XLS File Formats |
ODF File Format |
PDF File Format |
XML File Format |
Spreadsheet |
Charting |
Pivot Tables |
Formula Acceleration |
Presentations |
Calendar Management |
Calendar Web Publishing |
Contacts Management |
Project Management |
Task Management |
To-Do List |
Script Builder |
Website Creation |
Web Forms |
HTML-Editor |
Wikis |
WordPress Integration |
Notetaking |
Email Client |
Email Alerts |
Email Invitations |
Custom Email Domain Names |
Domain Aliases |
Endpoint Management |
Templates Management |
Customizable Templates |
Multiple User Accounts |
Data Synchronization |
Data Migration Tool |
File Hosting Service |
Unlimited Cloud Storage |
External File Sharing |
Permission Management |
Access Control |
Transfer File Ownership |
Lost Files Retrieving |
Real-Time Editing |
Content Search |
Expiration Dates Setting |
Unlimited Revision History |
Voice Typing |
Chat |
Commenting |
Video Conferencing |
Hardware Kits for Meetings |
Meetings Room Packages |
Branded Interactive Whiteboard |
Drag & Drop Interface |
Customizable Branding |
eDiscovery |
Versioning |
Offline Access |
Raster Graphics Editor |
Vector Graphics Editor |
Projections |
Detailed Reporting and Audit Logs |
3rd Party Integration |
Secure Data Storage |
Email Security |
Encryption In Transit and At Rest |
Single Sign On |
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Suppliers Collaborative Applications
Vendors Collaborative Applications
F.A.Q. about Collaborative Applications
What does collaboration software do?
- Internal Communication System. Teams need an efficient communication system to be able to stay on task and not miss crucial aspects of ongoing projects. With many tools built into web based collaboration apps that allow all forms of communication – email, IM, voice, video – as well as mechanisms to review and retrieve conversations and discussions, team members are assured of uninterrupted coordination and kept in sync.
- File Sharing. Like communication, the ability to share files, documents, data and all other forms of media is one of the most important features of collaboration software. Many groupware now carry robust document management systems, providing you and your team members a convenient means to share, access, view and retrieve files
- Content Creation. Several all-in-one collaboration platforms offer content creation functionality that allows producing and publishing content both for internal and external audiences. This is useful for inbound marketing activities like creating blogs and informative content to attract new audience and enhance your business’ online presence.
- Powerful Search. Finding old files, previous conversation or past blog post are facilitated by the robust search feature of web based collaboration software. What was previously a time-consuming process, now you can use tags and search filters to find what you’re looking for in quickly and efficiently.
- Personal and Group Calendars. Keeping track of numerous meetings, events and other important matters that need your attention is a sure headache-inducer. Personal as well as group calendars are integral features in most collaborative platforms and mobile collaboration apps to help you and your team members stay attuned, involved and present at all times, wherever they may be.
What are the benefits of collaboration software?
There are a number of benefits of collaboration software that can result in more efficient and effective completion of tasks and goals. Understanding what does a collaboration software do will help you justify its implementation in your organization and bolster its adoption with your employees. The successful execution of good collaboration software will afford you many advantages. Why use collaboration software? Here are four good reasons why.
- Save time – Time is gold, and in a business that is tantamount to money. The more you save time, the more you save on unwanted expenses, and the better it is for your organization. Collaboration among employees makes possible the quicker completion of end goals that wouldn’t otherwise be achievable in other ways. Embracing collaboration methods cuts disparate, uncoordinated work on a particular project from different contributing members and saves not only time but also resources and efforts. If you are looking to cut costs on projects, collaboration software can help in that respect.
- Enhance project management – Keeping a handle on a project, a team and its members and their progress are never easy to work. Coordination and communication are of paramount importance if you want a project completed. Collaboration is one of the most optimal means to guarantee that you get the most out of your team. It opens lines of communication and makes sure everything is on track in order to avoid mistakes and confusion that can delay projects.
- Strengthen team relationships – One sure-fire way to build effective working relationships among employees is to have them work together to complete tasks and projects. Collaboration programs are designed to do that, making it easy for teams to work almost like a concerted unit with a singular purpose. This makes teams comfortable and confident in working with one another when it comes to completing common objectives.
- Improve organization – The process of keeping things and tasks in order has always been a problem for businesses. It is typical to lose track of what has been done and what needs to be done in project workflows simply because everything is a mess. Collaborative programs assist in maintaining order and managing the stages in workflows through open communication and coordination among concerned individuals and team.
Collaborative software
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collaborative_softwareWhat is Collaboration Software? Analysis of Features, Types, Benefits and Pricing
https://financesonline.com/collaboration-software-analysis-features-types-benefits-pricing/