9 Best & Cheapest Collaboration Tools for Startups

Running a startup in today’s economy is no easy task, with high expenses and low margins. Collaboration is also a major issue for most start-ups because they don’t usually have the funds required to set up efficient communication and logistic infrastructures.

Thankfully though, there are currently 100s of collaboration tools that you can use when running and operating a start-up. And web-based collaboration tools have proven to be very effective as they allow you to converse, message, or just share data with remote colleagues, adding on your overall productivity and efficiency. That being said, a majority of these tools just consume too much time and energy. So, here’s a list of the top eight collaboration tools that are best suited for start-ups:

1. ProofHub

ProofHub is probably one of the most effective and safe-to-use project management and general collaboration tools available in the market. With useful features like 1 on 1 and group chat that allows you to interactive and talk with your team in real time. ProofHub is best suited for start-ups who need to work together on single or multiple projects at a time. The software’s highlight is its “discussion” feature, which offers everyone a common platform on which they can share information among themselves and with others.

Another great feature of ProofHub is its ability to integrate with other collaboration tools, including Google Drive, and Dropbox. Extra features include daily organizers and standard formats for reports, timesheets, and other data intensive files.

2. Google Docs

Google Docs is a virtual file storage and sharing platform that allows you to create detailed spreadsheets, word documents, and impactful presentations, from virtually any connected device. Google Docs has become an indispensable part of any business, both new and old, not because it allows users to create documents from anywhere, but because users can remotely access their files from anywhere at any time.

It might not be the newest collaboration tool on the internet, but it’s certainly the most robust. Not only does Google Docs allow you to do almost everything, but it allows you to do so in a simple and well-organized manner. You can even grant or restrict access to any file or folder in, without inconveniencing any member of your team.

3. Zoho

Zoho is an online collaboration tool that allows you to plan for events/conferences, track their progress, and trace bugs that are recorded on logs. Employing the use of forums, a wiki interface and instant messenger options, Zoho aims to allow users to communicate project data more effectively, The tool even facilitates live discussions and brainstorming sessions, activities that wouldn’t be possible via email or a static website.

Zoho effectively brings back the element of interaction that is often missed when teams work remotely. Zoho also features a nifty “project meetings” option that allows you to schedule team meetings, via on-going and expired events, and even prepares minutes of the meeting on your behalf.

4. Trello

Trello is a minimalistic collaboration tool that helps you create, manage and monitor projects, via digital versions of old-school methods such as checklists and task card. Trello allows you to a lot deadlines and share project details over your team, or between multiple teams. Trello’s ‘timestamp’ feature also allows you to maintain accountability for actions within the team. Trello also supports mobile usage, allowing for notifications and real-time project updates.

5. Basecamp

Basecamp is a well-established collaboration tool that allows you to create and manage projects remotely. It is also one of the most secure collaboration tools, implementing SSL data encryption protocols. The software’s designers have recently revamped the entire application, making a good product great.

Basecamp allows users to grant or restrict access to projects and other sensitive data. The software also allows for 3rd party integration of applications that allow for invoicing & accounting. Basecamp has helped execute over 3 million individual projects since its launch.

6. Asana

Asana is an effective business collaboration tool that features options that are useful to both teams, as well as individuals. Asana is a one-stop-shop for collaboration needs with options like dashboards, projects, tasks, projects, and conversations. Whether you want to send an email or schedule an important meeting, Asana has you covered.

Asana is a great tool for project specific collaborations as it even allows you to filter out unwanted messages that aren’t related to a project. The software is free for smaller teams, perfect for start-ups looking to keep their overheads low.

7. Skype

Skype has been a household name for video chat for a while now, but the brand’s recent foray in to the corporate world has taken official audio and video services to a whole other level. Skype allows you to send messages, tag your colleagues on a video, or just hold a simple video conference.

The best part about Skype is that it’s absolutely free, giving you highly competitive rates for international mobile calls. The only thing that could possibly hinder your Skype collaboration efforts is an unstable internet connection.

8. Google Hangouts

Skype might be an awesome software for video chat and web conferencing, but it restricts communication between two people. Google Hangouts on the other hand, allows you to be in constant touch with up to 100 people at a time. And just like Skype, Hangouts is absolutely free to use, and works across multiple platforms.

Google Hangouts is a great tool when you need to be in frequent contact with everyone in your team, without the need for any specialized video conferencing products.

9. Xtensio

Xtensio is an easy way for teams to create and share living documents. Users can collaborate in one team space and changes are automatically saved and synced across devices in real time.

We aim to provide the best business information possible and in doing so we often mention specific products. Some, but not all, may pay a small referral fee for purchases made through their links. These referrals are subject to a rigorous vetting process and in no way affect our mission to bring you fair and impartial information.

Author: Mauricio Prinzlau is the CEO of Cloudwards.net, a data and user feedback driven comparison engine for cloud apps and services. He enjoys writing and producing educational videos around the cloud to help people find the best cloud service for their needs.