This document evaluates tools for group collaboration. It considers applications that are multi-platform, allow file sharing, video/audio conferencing, screen sharing, and messaging. Skype, Google Drive, and Facebook are selected as winners. Skype allows video conferencing across platforms. Google Drive offers cloud storage and sharing along with office tools. Facebook is widely used for communication.

1. SFSU ISYS 363
FALL 2013 – SECTION #08 – GROUP 3

2. Tools considered for collaboration
 Tools that were considered for evaluation would be applications
that were designed and/or can be used for group collaboration.
 The application must be available on a commonly used platform
such as Windows, Mac OSX, Android, iOS or a web application.
 Ideally the application spans across different platforms which gives
more versatility.
 The application must also be readily accessible and available. It
should be easy to implement and execute its designed functions
effectively.

3. Criteria for applications selected
 Features that are needed or expected should have some
combination of the following design functions.
 Multiplatform(Mobile support would give more accessibility/mobility)
 File Sharing (Files can be easily shared among group members)
 Video/Audio Conferencing (Ability to communicate w/ group)
 Screen Sharing (Ability to present information in real-time)
 Send Messages (Message receiving/sending)
 Web Tool (Application on the web that serves a function to help
group members relay information or produce work/results)

4. Skype (Microsoft)
VoIP App
 Pros
 Multiplatform (including mobile support)
 Affordable premium subscription
 Group video calling, group screen sharing(premium), unlimited calls
internationally(premium) and also offers free instant messaging
/including offline messages
 Cons
 Skype to Skype only (Free version)
 Inconsistent video / audio quality
 Lack of integrated business tools

5. Drive (Google)
Cloud Storage / Web Office Suite App
 Pros
 Good integration with gmail account
 Local file syncing and offline support (Multiplatform)
 Offers online web office suite (write documents, spreadsheets,
presentations, forms)
 Cons
 Privacy and Security Issues (Your files can be available to the public)
 Sharing features are a bit confusing and aren’t as streamlined as
competitors
 Cannot stream media from cloud storage (it must be
moved/downloaded first)

6. UpTo
Mobile App Group Calendar
 Pros
 Syncs with all other mobile calendar apps you use
 Easy to share your calendar in sorted groups among phone contacts,
facebook, twitter, etc.
 You can comment on each other’s calendar items.
 Cons
 To streamline experience sharing your calendar requires the other party
to download UpTo as well.
 Only available on mobile platforms IOS and Android
 Would be great if they added a feature to view “Free Time” available.

7. Team Viewer
Remote Desktop App
 Pros
 Currently is still a free collaborative program that is an easy setup for users to
take control of another PC via the mouse/keyboard remotely while using
another PC.
 Features the ability to file share, screen share (remote share) and video
conference.
 Compatibility with tablets, an indication they are expanding to devices
outside the PC field.
 Cons
 Switching between various modes is slow and separate modes require a log-
off before switching.
 Still a minor lag issue with the remote screen that can still be improved with
speedier and more responsive usability in upcoming versions.
 No premium version for the casual consumer unless they are willing pay over
a hundreds of dollars.

8. Facebook
SMS Mobile Texting
 Pros
 People have their mobile phones handier than a computer
 Faster reply
 Group Messaging
 Cons
 Can’t send file
 Talking to multiple person at the same time can be overwhelming
 No Video

9. Winners
 The applications that we have selected that best fits for our use
would be.
 Skype because its multiplatform including mobile which gives it
great versatility and allows us to conference at home or on the go.
 Google Drive because it offers a vast array of functionality from its
web office suite that allows us to write up documents, spreadsheets
and presentations. In Addition its cloud file storage sharing is
streamlined across pc to mobile and vice versa.
 Facebook simply because we essentially all have it and it’s a
common platform that many people use to communicate today.

10. References Links
 http://mashable.com/2013/07/15/apps-for-team-collaboration/
 http://www.computerworld.com/slideshow/detail/93889
 http://tabtimes.com/review/ittech-apps/2013/05/15/5-great-
collaboration-apps-business
 https://drive.google.com/#my-drive
 http://www.skype.com/en/
 https://www.facebook.com/
 https://upto.com/
 http://www.teamviewer.com/en/index.aspx