Many critical business tools are moving to cloud-based Software-as-a-Service platforms. The biggest benefit of using cloud platforms is the ability to access your data from anywhere in the world on any device. While the market is currently flooded with various tools that can essentially do the same things, there are a few SaaS platforms out there that are currently sitting on top of the pile.
We have chosen our 5 favorite IT cloud solutions that are the best in their category:
1. Office 365
Microsoft has been winning the office game for quite a while now. Before the company became involved in cloud services, it catered to businesses primarily for staples like Microsoft Word and Excel. With Office 365, businesses are no longer required to have an onsite mail server like Microsoft Exchange. Office 365 accounts come with storage space for files and allow you to install the complete Microsoft suite on your mobile devices and computer.
2. SalesForce
One of the most popular customer relationship manager (CRM) software platforms is SalesForce. It has extensive integrations with various platforms and helps businesses keep track of clients and customers through all stages of interaction. SalesForce has templates for several different industries and markets, which has made it a great choice for a broad selection of businesses.
3. Slack
Communication between employees and different companies has greatly improved over the years. Gone are the days of using consumer level chat programs like AOL and MSN instant messenger. Slack allows communication both within an organization and outside of it. So, if collaboration needs to take place between two organizations, Slack can facilitate that. The platform also can integrate with several different platforms to help users create things like tasks or calendar appointments through the application.
4. Trello
Project management has become so much easier with tools like Trello. A Trello board is a list of lists, filled with cards, that can help you organize all kinds of projects. Shared boards allow you to assign different tasks and cards to members of the project. You can even invite people outside your organization to coordinate projects between companies. Through the notifications you can always know exactly where the project stands and what still needs to be accomplished.
Project management has become so much easier with tools like Trello. Trello is a board-based organization tool for keeping track of your tasks for all kinds of projects. Shared boards allow you to assign different tasks to members of the project. And you can invite people outside your organization to coordinate projects between companies.
5. ZenDesk
If your business deals with customer service at any level, ZenDesk is a great way to keep track of tickets and issues that customers may have. The platform accepts tickets via email, web forms, or even through social media. Tickets can be assigned to various users, and supervisors can see who is falling behind and who is knocking it out of the park taking care of customers.
Although these are extremely popular cloud services that many businesses use on a daily basis technology is not a one size fits all situations. What might work for one business may not work for yours, so be sure to check out all the features of the platforms and their competitors to decide which one will be the right one for your company.
BRITECITY is an Orange County IT Services firm supporting local businesses in the area of Managed IT Services, Cyber Security, Cloud Services and Strategic IT.