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

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.

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)

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

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)

UpToMobile 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.

Team ViewerRemote 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. 

FacebookSMS 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

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.

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