Purchasing Guide

Admist the flood of new collaboration applications, you might be having a tough time choosing a collaboration software. The important thing to remember is that your company should not have to work around a collaboration software- Instead,  it should work around YOU and YOUR COMPANY’S needs.

1. Look for SaaS Solutions

Opt for a SaaS solution. SaaS means software as a service, as opposed to hardware/on premises solutions, and they don’t require expensive installation and maintenance.

2. You Need Easy Implementation

Make sure that implementation of the solution across your entire company will not be difficult, expensive nor time-consuming. Request an implementation plan or strategy and how long the implementation is expected to last before the solution is full integrated.

3. Make Sure your Tool is User-Friendly

Your collaboration solution should be user friendly, so that even the most non-tech saavy member of your team can easily adopt it.

4. Make Sure Your Solution has Enterprise Grade Security

One of the most important features of any collaboration software is security. Make sure that your solution meets Fortune 500 security requirements, under which your data will be protected and secure.

5. You’ll Need Flexibility

A collaboration platform must be flexible, since there are probably a diversity of computer and OS users in your company. Make sure your solution works for multiple browsers, Mac, PC and has mobile phone support.

6. Check for Scalability

Scalability is another thing to keep in mind. If you’re company is growing (which we hope it is), you need to think ahead to when  your team multiplies by two, three or four times its size. Will your solution grow with you? If not, it’s better to dump it now.

7. Ask for Implementation Support

After you’ve purchased your solution, you’re going to need to implement it across your company and get everyone on board in the most efficient and timely way. Good collaboration solutions offer an Implementation Specialist who can guide you through your company’s transition into the platform.

8. See if your Solution Has a Back up Storage Facility

Check to see that your collaboration solution provider has a backup storage facility. Even better, check to see which solutions have more than one data storage back up location. The more, the better.

9. Make Sure You’re Getting Ample Storage

Make sure you are getting enough storage. Once your data storage is exhausted, extra storage space can be costly.