- Instant Messaging Tool - Skype
Download here: http://www.skype.com
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
- Project Collaboration Tool – Basecamp
Know more here: http://www.basecamphq.com
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
- Online Document Management – Google Docs
Login here: http://www.docs.google.com
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
- Online Meeting Tool – WebEx Web Conferencing
More info here: http://www.webex.com/
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
- Virtual Private Network (VPN) Service – SonicWall
Know more here: http://www.sonicwall.com
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
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