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5 Must-have Tools To Enhance Productivity Of Your Virtual Workforce

Guest post by: Gourab Nanda

Article Overview: Use these tools for boost productivity in a virtual work environment - Skype, Basecamp, Google Docs, WebEx Web Conferencing, and VPN.

5 Must-have Tools To Enhance Productivity Of Your Virtual Workforce

1.Instant Messaging Tool - Skype

Skype is a software that allows small businesses to make free video and voice calls to anyone around the world who owns a computer and has installed Skype. Skype also allows you to make low-cost voice calls to any phone in the world. The tool also has chat and file-sharing capabilities, and is extremely easy to use. You can use video-conferencing whenever you have to discuss something important with your virtual employee, or you can simply chat or do a voice call for progress reporting or other discussions.

Other similar tools: Google Talk, Yahoo Messenger, MSN, AOL/AIM

2.Project Collaboration Tool - Basecamp

Online collaboration tools can help employees at different locations brainstorm ideas and quickly make important decisions, without assembling everyone for a conference call or an in-person meeting. Basecamp is a web-based project collaboration tool. It allows a team to share files, assign tasks, set milestones, centralize feedback, and manage projects. It is simple to use and is inexpensive for small businesses. When you have multiple teams spread across geographies Basecamp helps you bring all the people on the same page.

Other similar tools: Zoho, Huddle, Project Spaces, Smart Sheet

3.Online Document Management - Google Docs

Just like you have MSOffice tools on your desktop, you can have presentations, spreadsheets, text documents on the web. You can easily upload, edit, share (in real time), store, and pick who can access and edit your documents. It is free and anybody can access from anywhere. It is the best tool for collaborative working.

Other similar tools: MS OpenOffice, DocumenTree, NetDocuments

4. Online Meeting Tool - WebEx Web Conferencing

You can easily host live video presentations to all your virtual employees at the same time. Hold webinars, trainings, discussions, presentations, workshops, and online meetings with WebEx. People from multiple locations can log in and participate in real time. Available at a low monthly fee, this tool can help you communicate regularly and remove the boundaries between you and your virtual employees.

Other similar tools: GoToMeeting, Dimdim, MegaMeeting

5. Virtual Private Network (VPN) Service - SonicWall

A virtual private network is a dedicated communications network that only authorized users can access. A VPN creates a tunnel through another network. This, in effect, controls traffic to and from the network rendering it a private rather than a public access. You can safeguard your company data from hackers by setting up your own VPN. You do not need to hire IT personnel to keep your VPN up and running, and the budget of VPN installation depends on your need.

Other similar tools: Cisco, Microsoft, Steganos, Check Point, Untangle

Related Articles
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  4 Helpful Guides in Leading a Virtual Working Environment
  What Is A Virtual Assistant Business
  How to Stay Connected in a Virtual Team
  No Trust, No Team: Building Trust in a Virtual Setting
  6 Steps To Recruit Competent Virtual Employees
  Virtual Call center and its all round benefits
  Small Business Phone Systems Options
  Building and Organizing a Virtual Team - Strategies that Work
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  Internet Marketing Specialists are in High Demand
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  Virtual Collaboration is Not For Everyone: The Characteristics of Top Performing Virtual Leaders and Team Members

Article Tags: virtual office, virtual workforce



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