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Training Topics > Technology > Collaboration Tools
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Collaboration Tools
Groupware
spaceVendor Links
spaceArticles and Reviews
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Collaboration Tools

This page covers a lot of related services and tools to help AETCs collaborate within and across regions. The links here are just the tip of the iceberg and don't imply an endorsement from the NRC.

Groupware

Groupware or collaboration software is designed for teams working on a common project who need to share documents and coordinate tasks. Most groupware includes ways to keep track of document versions, and manage task lists and calendars. There are many many options for Web-based groupware, and most have similar features. If you manage your own server and have a technical staff, there is a lot of freeware (and not-freeware) available as well. Otherwise, consider the hosted services.

Features to look for in groupware:

dotCost: most companies have a monthly fee with a standard number of users, and a per user fee above that.
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dotIs the interface intuitive for your users?
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dotIs the interface make it easy to add or delete projects and accounts?
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dotDoes it work on Mac and Windows?
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dotIs it Web based or does it require that you install something on your server or desktop?
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dotDoes the company hosting it seem reliable? Do they guarantee uptime?
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dotIs there training or technical support available?
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dotWill your group use it?
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Vendor Links

This list doesn't imply an endorsement of these companies or their services. The articles and reviews list lots of vendor options.

dotMicrosoft SharePoint - available both as software and as a "hosted subscription service" meaning you buy an account with a company and don't need to have your own server. Search Google for vendors for hosted services. Because it's from Microsoft, it is very integrated with all the Office products.
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dotAce Project
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dotOnProject
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dotYahoo Groups Free! Has a basic way to upload files to a group space, share a group calendar, do polls and distribution lists. You can be up and running in 10 minutes. Requires that group members sign up for a free Yahoo ID.
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Articles and Reviews

dotWikipedia Article Background information about the concept and industry from the online encyclopedia.
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dotCollaboration Software/Tools Gil Gordon Associates Web site has links to dozens of resources with brief descriptions.
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dotOnline Collaboration From Robin Good, communications industry commentator. Odds and ends.
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Copyright 2006, the AIDS Education & Training Centers National Resource Center, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved. Email webmaster@aidsetc.org with questions, comments, or problems. See disclaimer for usage guidelines.

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