This document evaluates several group collaboration tools for business use. It provides criteria for an effective tool, including security, file sharing, real-time communication, unlimited users and storage, and video chat. Several tools are reviewed: GroupMe is a mobile app for chat rooms but lacks video and desktop access; Dropbox allows file sharing but isn't as good for teamwork; Skype enables meetings but has quality and setup issues; Google Docs and Twiddla both enable real-time collaboration but Docs is chosen as the best option for its ease of use, file sharing and editing capabilities, and ability to communicate through multiple channels while being free.

1. SFSU ISYS 363
Section 01-

2. Group Collaboration Tools Project
Overview
 Focus on group collaboration tools and how they work in the
business environment.
 Collaboration is the experience that integrates
people, processes, and technology all in one space
 These tools morph conversations and file sharing tools into
a knowledge base that the entire enterprise can now
access.
 Market leaders
 Facebook
 LinkedIn
 SharePoint
 IBM Open Connections

3. A Good Collaboration Tool?
 What companies and enterprises want in collaboration tools:
 Security
 File sharing
 Real time
 Unlimited users and storage
 Video chat and communication forums
 Our Criteria
 Free
 Real time communication through video conferencing, or
message board
 Share files anywhere in the world at any given time.
 Share different type of documents such as spreadsheets, and
images

4. GroupMe
Pros
 Works on every mobile device
 Share photos, location, and
even split payments with people
in group
 Works around the world
 Can leave group at any time
 Have the ability to “like” other
group members posts
Cons
 Limited communication
 No video chat
 Mobile application on different
carriers can be confusing
 Limited to only mobile device
use
GroupMe is a mobile app that allows for private chat
rooms among a group of people.

5. Dropbox
Pros
 Has good security on files; only
uses who are authorized can
access the files specific files
being shared
 Easiest to use for file share
between groups
 You can access past forms of a
file, even after changes have
been made.
Cons
 Can be difficult to locate a file
 Not as efficient for teamwork
compared to other
collaboration tools because of
synchronizing
 According to users, Dropbox
lacks good customer service
Allows you to store, access, and share pictures/videos
and documents at any given moment and place on your
computer or smartphone.

6. Skype
Pros
 Allows virtual meetings
(Convenience)
 User friendly/easy setup (600
million users)
 High Capacity Calls (Up to 25
people)
 Free service (Including
Skype-to-Phone)
Cons
 Poor video/audio quality on
group calls, in various aspects
(Unprofessional)
 Often hard to setup with
standard AV system (Time
consuming)
 Security Risk (Not good for
important info.)
Skype is a freemium voice-over-IP service and instant messaging
client that is currently
developed by Microsoft

7. Google docs
Pros
 Quick access to documents
anywhere in world.
 Allows file sharing, simultaneously
working on files.
 Can create private or open sharing.
 Free to use for up to 15GB of
information
 Allows the use of spreadsheets and
sharing photos
Cons
 Limited features set compared
to Microsoft word/excel.
 Have to be connected to the
internet to use.
 Requires a Google account.
 Limited storage for free users
A web-based office suite offered by Google within its Google Drive service.
It allows users to create and edit documents and spreadsheets online.

8. Twiddla
Pros
 No plug-ins=all you need is a web
browser
 You can interact with the web (or
uploaded picture, document, or
widget) AND mark it up in real time
with other people
 It incorporates chat and voice
 Can invite as many people
to participate in your
Twiddla session as you like-
No limits
Cons
 All members must be online
using Twiddla at the same time
 There is no way to track the
influence/contribution of each
team member.
 The markup tools are somewhat
difficult to use when drawing
with the mouse. Using a tablet
interface may allow for better
precision when drawing.
Twiddla is a free online collaboration tool that allows team
whiteboarding. You can upload or draw images in real time with
others.

9. Our Winner
 Google Docs
 Easy to learn and use
 Simple file sharing and real time editing
 Allows for multiple ways to communicate
 Word
 Spreadsheet
 Chat
 Imports and exports and works with most file types

10. References
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skype
 https://www.dropbox.com/
 http://www.twiddla.com/
 https://groupme.com/
 http://www.pcworld.com/article/254457/google_drive_th
e_pros_and_cons.html
 http://collaboration.about.com/od/enterprise/a/How-
Collaboration-Can-Work-For-Business.htm