Being a consumer-tech startup, we use multiple technology tools to collaborate, communicate and execute projects effectively. We thought it'd make a useful post, if we share a list of some tools that are useful for most SMEs. These tools that can be accessed through laptops and also mobile. Start using at least 2 of these tools, and observe positive changes.

#Chat&Conferencing

Zoom

That is quite obvious choice. It is as easy as sending a mail to set up calls. It is free for one-to-one call. Seems like they've enabled group calls, limited to just 40 minutes a day for free. There is no harm making an attempt to use this tech product. ( The valuation of Zoom shot up after Covid-19 scenario and is currently valued at $29 million )

Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise video communications, with an easy, reliable cloud platform for video and audio conferencing, collaboration, chat, and webinars across mobile devices, desktops, telephones, and room systems.

It is free - Try here - zoom.us

Slack

Slack brings the team together. Wherever you are

In our opinion, Slack is a sophisticated alternative for whatsapp. With all of your communication and tools in one place, remote teams will stay productive no matter where you’re working from.

Free For small teams trying out Slack for an unlimited period of time

1. Access to 10,000 of your team’s most recent messages
2. Ten integrations with other apps like Google Drive, Office 365 and many more
3. 1:1 voice and video calls between teammates is free

It is free - Try here - slack.com

Microsoft Teams

This is a Microsoft product. If your mails are on Office365, most likely Microsoft Teams comes free with that.

Work remotely without feeling remote.Invite everyone you work with to chat, meet, call, and collaborate all in one place, no matter where you are.

In Microsoft Teams (free)  the following features are partially included

1. Chat and collaboration
2. Productivity apps and services
3. Meetings and calling
4. Security and compliance

#Documentation

Confluence

Accomplish more together. Create, collaborate, and organize all your work in one place.An open, connected structure allows information to flow freely among everyone at the organization. Built for lasting knowledge so you never lose great ideas or context in a transient notification or chat. Organize everything in one place.From quarterly planning docs to new hire blogs, everything lives on Confluence.

Free Version with 10 users with the following features

1. Unlimited spaces and pages
2. Page and space permissions
3. Macros
4. Structured page tree
5. Page versioning
6. Best practice template library
7. Apps and integrations

It is free . Try here - atlassian.com/software/confluence

Google Docs

Get to your documents anywhere, anytime

Access, create, and edit your documents wherever you go for free — from your phone, tablet, or computer — even when there's no connection.

Use your Google Account and login to Google docs and explore more about docs, sheets and slides

It is free - Try here - docs.google.com

#Workflow

Trello ( suitable for non-IT companies)

Trello lets you work more collaboratively and get more done.Trello’s boards, lists, and cards enable you to organize and prioritize your projects in a fun, flexible, and rewarding way.

Free Forever option one user/month with following features:

1. Unlimited Personal Boards
2. Unlimited Cards
3. Unlimited Lists
4. 10MB per File Attachment
5. TEAM FEATURES - 10 Team Boards
6. POWER-UPS - 1 Power-Up per Board

It is free - try here - atlassian.com/software/trello

Jira ( suitable for IT teams .. Others please skip reading)

If your company has a good-enough tech team, they must be using this already.

Jira is a software development tool used by agile teams. Jira Software is built for every member of your software team to plan, track, and release great software.

Free Version with following features

1. User limit   Up to 10 users
2. Scrum and Kanban boards
3. Backlog
4. Agile reporting
5. Customizable workflows
6. Roadmaps
7. Single project automation - unlimited
8. Global and multi-project automation
9. Apps and integrations  - 100 execution per month
10. Anonymous access
11. Storage - 2GB file storage
12. Support - Community Support

It is free - Try here - atlassian.com/software/jira

We use few other tools that are irrelevant to most of you. May be we can do a part-2 of this story and talk about other tech solutions we use.