Virtual teams can be tough to manage. That’s because whether it be software development, customer service, or graphic design, virtual teams by definition are spread across different countries, time zones and even cultures. Companies employ virtual teams because they extend the capabilities of internal teams, bring in hard to find talent, and lower overhead without sacrificing quality.
There are other reasons that companies use virtual teams for software development, in particular, some you probably haven’t thought of. And you might be running your entire company using virtual teams, or maybe just utilizing them to build out cool new products. The catch is, managing these teams globally can be a huge challenge if you don’t have the right strategies, tools, and processes.
Thankfully, there are now a plethora of online tools available to help you manage your virtual teams, as well as facilitate more optimal communication and collaboration. Here are some of the ones we recommend for 2017 to those who want to improve the overall productivity and efficiency of their virtual teams:
One of the most intuitive online project management out right now, Trello is based on the Japanese “Kanban” system of productivity. Managers create columns, place cards within those columns, and can attach a plethora of items to each card. Trello has robust features as it relates to assigning tasks, logging activities, making checklists and scheduling deadlines. Great for those just starting down the path of getting a handle on virtual team collaboration. Businesses can get started with the Free version of Trello, and upgrade to the Business edition for $9.99 per month for features like additional storage limits and third-party integrations. There’s also an Enterprise edition available at customer pricing with increased security and encryption options.
Basecamp
The Basecamp project management collaboration software is proof that tools don’t have to cater to Fortune 500 companies, leaving small to medium sized businesses as an afterthought. Basecamp is one of the most popular and beloved project management tools for small businesses due to its low cost and extremely easy to use interface. It’s free initial trial version, and short learning curve, make Basecamp ideal for those seeking to get a basic handle on their virtual team project management. After the 30-day trial is up, companies can sign up for Basecamp at $99 per month (or $1200 per year) with no limit on a number of users. The simplicity, and lack of hidden costs, of Basecamp’s pricing model is another huge plus
More than just a project management tool, Asana is designed from the perspective that managers need to monitor, track, and record the results they’re getting from virtual teams. Asana has an intuitive dashboard interface, so that both virtual team members and managers can see which projects they’re involved with at a glance, as well as what tasks they have assigned. For those who seek a more robust tool with calendar, file sharing, and social conversation features, Asana is a great tool. The Free version of Asana can accommodate up to 15 users, with unlimited project boards. Asana premium comes in at $8.33 per month, and includes priority support, unlimited users and access to exclusive customer support webinars. Enterprise users receive white glove support and a dedicated customer success executive.
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