How to help your team collaborate visually – even if they work remotely
There’s nothing quite like a brainstorming session to spark creativity, sketch out ideas, and map a project. But remote working has left our meeting rooms gathering dust and dried out our whiteboard pens.
The good news is that collaboration software tools can do all the face-to-face stuff – and more. It's all about finding the right match. Whether you're in it for a quick sprint or long-term journey, have money to spend or are on a tight budget, there’s a cloud collaboration tool for you.
There’s nothing quite like a brainstorming session to spark creativity, sketch out ideas, and map a project. But remote working has left our meeting rooms gathering dust and dried out our whiteboard pens.
The good news is that collaboration software tools can do all the face-to-face stuff – and more. It's all about finding the right match. Whether you're in it for a quick sprint or long-term journey, have money to spend or are on a tight budget, there’s a cloud collaboration tool for you.
What are the applications of cloud collaboration?
Project and task management solutions
Team collaboration platforms are designed to help you and your team allocate tasks, manage projects, and stay organised – all in one place. They’re also ideal for keeping tabs on every detail, so everyone knows who's doing what, and when.
Set deadlines, mark start dates, and watch your project take shape on visual timelines, charts, or other formats. They also sync smoothly with popular workplace collaboration software tools and apps like Slack, Google Drive, Dropbox, and Office365, so you get all the enhanced teamwork without the IT hassle.
Virtual whiteboards
If your team's all about brainstorming, consider diving into the world of virtual whiteboards.
These platforms give your team the freedom to fill up blank canvases or templates using virtual sticky notes or sketches. They're perfect for ensuring every team member gets heard, breaking down barriers that can sometimes hold back your quieter voices.
A 'live' version lets you see real-time changes and contributions for smooth collaboration. Features like video conferencing and instant chat can also bring that meeting room vibe and enhance teamwork. Remember to choose a virtual whiteboard that lets you easily share your creations on your collaboration platform or save them as files like PowerPoint or a free option such as Canva, so you can build on your ideas later.
What are the benefits of cloud collaboration?
Choosing the right tool for collaboration can be a bit of a process. Our handy table below gives you a brief, at-a-glance look at what you can expect from a few popular options.
For full details on each, click on the link.
Project and task management
Free version: Free for up to 15 people
Features: Unlimited tasks and projects, file storage up to 100MB per file, list, board and calendar views, time tracking etc.
Paid For: R224.47 – R496.43 per user, per month if billed annually *(price based on current exchange rate 2023/09/11)
Features: Advanced reporting, unlimited free guests, task templates, advanced integrations like Salesforce etc.
Free version: Unlimited free plan members
Features: Unlimited tasks, calendar view, 100MB storage etc.
Paid For: R132.01 - R226.31 + per member, per month *(price based on current exchange rate 2023/09/11)
Features: Unlimited teams, unlimited dashboards, unlimited storage, advanced time tracking, custom exporting etc.
Free version: Free for up to 2 people
Features: Up to 3 boards, unlimited docs, 200+ templates, 500 MB storage
Paid For: R165.56 – R401.96 + per person, per month if billed annually *(price based on current exchange rate 2023/09/11)
Features: Unlimited free viewers, unlimited items, up to 1000 GB file storage, guest access, calendar and chart view, advanced reporting & analytics.
Free version: No free user limit.
Features: Up to 10 boards, unlimited storage up to 10MB per file, assignee and due dates.
Paid For: R94.29 – R330.03 per user, per month, if billed annually *(price based on current exchange rate 2023/09/11)
Features: Unlimited boards, multiple guests, calendar, table and map views, up to 250MB per file.
Virtual Whiteboards
Free version: No free user limit.
Features: Unlimited personal files, 3 FigJam files, plug-ins and templates etc.
Paid For: R70.97-R118.21 per person, per month billed annually *(price based on current exchange rate 2023/09/11)
Features: Unlimited FigJam files, team libraries, advanced design, custom templates etc.
Free version: No free user limit.
Features: 3 Lucidspark boards Freehand drawing, presentation mode etc.
Paid For: R189.15 -R212.79 + per person, per month billed annually *(price based on current exchange rate 2023/09/11)
Features: Unlimited editable boards, up to 1GB file storage, team folders, customisable document status etc.
Free version: No free user limit.
Features: 3 editable Miro boards, unlimited members, 2,500 templates etc.
Paid For: R150.87 – R301.74 + per person, per month billed annually *(price based on current exchange rate 2023/09/11)
Features: Unlimited boards, unlimited visitors, custom templates, breakout and voting facilities etc.
Free version: 5 contributors per storm and 0 free viewers
Features: 5 Storm boards, 5 users per board, 260 custom templates etc.
Paid For: R157.09 + per user, per month billed annually *(price based on current exchange rate 2023/09/11)
Features: Unlimited boards, unlimited users, 10+ guests, training tools etc.
Start by exploring the free options, see how they perform and if they meet your needs. Do your research into the right kind of tool before investing in one, as your team might also need to adjust. Once you've got a feel for the basics, take a look at what the paid plans bring to the table. If the extra features match your goals, it might be time to invest.
Cloud-based collaboration tools are your go-to companions for effective remote teamwork. Whether it's streamlining project management or fostering creativity through virtual brainstorming, let your remote teams’ productivity soar.
For more support about the best collaboration tools, speak to one of our V-Hub Digital Advisers today.
