This document evaluates and compares several online collaboration tools for group work. It provides an overview of features expected in these tools, criteria for evaluating them, and concerns about online collaboration. Several tools are reviewed in depth: Google Docs is highlighted as a good option for file sharing and storage with version control, but lacks offline access. Email provides widespread accessibility but has limitations. Google+ Hangouts enables audio/video conferencing across devices but requires internet. Dropbox facilitates file sharing but has limited free storage. iLearn is recommended for collaboration within academic groups.

1. SFSU ISYS 363
Fall 2013
Section #1 and #2

2. Features Expected
• File sharing and storage capabilities
• Version Control
• Organized workspace that is user friendly
• Notifications
• Secure and backup of data
• Mobile accessibility/sync
• Project overview and comments section
• Forum

3. Online Group Collaboration Tools
Criteria
• Compatible with Mac & PC
• Secure and private
• Fast, Reliable, Free
• Easily accessible (internet)
• Moderate storage
Concerns
• Internet connection variability
• File backup Capabilities
• Real-Time Communication
• Information sharing with 3rd
parties
• System bog downs with multiple
users
Market Leaders
• Google Docs
• Email
• Google+ Hangouts
• Dropbox
• ilearn

4. Google Docs
Pros:
- Free to use
- Entire group can upload and
share multiple documents
- Capable with both PC’s and Mac
computers
Cons:
- Only online. Must have internet
connection.
- -Only has 20GB free storage which is
median for other doc sharing
accounts
- Not fully supported on mobile
devices.
File sharing and storage capabilities: Yes
Version control: Yes
Audio and video conferencing: No
Notifications: Yes
Collaboration: Yes
Security and privacy: Yes
Backup: Yes
Platform, pricing, and availability: Yes
Would you use this for a business? Yes
Document sharing for group
collaboration

5. You got mail :)
File sharing and storage capabilities: Yes
Version control: No
Audio and video conferencing: No
Notifications: Yes
Collaboration: Yes
Security and privacy: Yes
Backup: No
Platform, pricing, and availability: Yes
Would you use this for a business? Yes
Pros:
- Free to use
- Everyone owns an account
- Multiple services provide email
accessibility
Cons:
- How often someone checks
email
- Attachments capabilities
- Spam, viruses, etc.

6. Google+ Hangouts
File sharing and storage capabilities: Yes
Version control: No
Audio and video conferencing: Yes
Notifications: Yes (must be online)
Collaboration: Yes
Security and privacy: Yes
Backup: No
Platform, pricing, and availability: Yes
Would you use this for a business? Yes
Pros:
- Desktop sharing
- Connect from multiple devices
(phones, computers, tablets)
- It brings the window of the person
talking into the middle so you know
who is currently talking.
Cons:
- Need high speed internet
- Not everyone has webcam or
smartphone
- More users on, the slower it gets

7. Dropbox
Pros:
- Sharing capabilities
- Fast uploads and downloads
- File encryption
Cons:
- Limited free space
- Account deleted if inactive for 90
days
- May share information with third-
parties
File sharing and storage capabilities: Yes
Version control: No
Audio and video conferencing: No
Notifications: No
Collaboration: Yes
Security and privacy: Yes
Backup: Yes
Platform, pricing, and availability: Yes
Would you use this for a business? Yes

8. iLearn
Pros:
- All members can view posts from
members within group
- All students have an account
- Customizable notification settings
Cons:
- No real-time communication
- Can’t simultaneously collaborate
- Difficult to organize documents
File sharing and storage capabilities: Yes
Version control: No
Audio and video conferencing: No
Notifications: Yes
Collaboration: Yes
Security and privacy: Yes
Backup: No
Platform, pricing, and availability: Yes
Would you use this for a business? No

9. References/Links
Google Docs
• www.docs.google.com
Email
• www.mail.yahoo.com
• www.mail.gmail.com
• www.my.screenname.aol.com
Google+ Hangouts
• www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/
Dropbox
• www.dropbox.com
iLearn
• www.ilearn.sfsu.edu

10. Winners
• Google Docs
• Email
• iLearn
The Raptors agree to use these collaboration tools: