Remote working tools have been around for some time. The widespread adoption of email was probably the first opportunity for people to send and receive documents and communications from one remote location to another.

Tools For Remote Teams

There was always a pain point though, which was where to save the document(s) and how to ensure people can collaborate without different versions of the same document existing. Remember those days, Version 1.1, Version 2.3, Final Version, Final Final Version and so on. It brings you out in a cold sweat just thinking about it.

The game changed with the adoption of cloud-based: document storage, editing and sharing applications. This removed the problem of where to store documents and added the ability to collaborate. From this we saw a move to cloud-based editors and software like Microsoft 365 and Google Docs.

The actual challenge of remote working comes from the complexity of daily communication and tracking the status of projects and keeping team members accountable. This is where remote working has always had a challenge. The reason remote working never really became the norm, was probably due to a perception that its “just not the same as discussing things face to face”, and probably a lack of trust from employers and/or managers.

This abruptly changed with the global COVID-19 pandemic, where almost overnight, businesses large and small were effectively forced to embrace working from home.

What Are Work From Home Tools?

The tools (or software) can come in many forms, but most typically they can be categorised as follows:

Verbal Communications: voice calls & video conferencing, like Google Hangouts, Microsoft teams or Zoom

Document Editors & Collaboration: cloud-based document editing and sharing solutions like Microsoft 365 & Google Drive, these are paired with editing software like the Microsoft Office Suite and Google Documents, Sheets and Slides for example

Project Management & Workflow: Task and project tracking tools like Asana, Slack and Monday.com

Telephony Solutions: Typically a platform to manage extensions or to ”root”calls to different locations or teams and here the Mytelnet Communications platform is a perfect example

Where Can I Find Work From Home Tools?

The most obvious place to start is mobile app stores like Google Play (formerly Android Market) or the Apple App Store. Then pretty much every other tool is reviewed and listed under sites that rank for when you Google : Work From Home Tools, as a decent example Skillcrush.com, but there are plenty others. Jump on Google and have a look.

What Makes a Good Remote Working Toolset?

This is a difficult question to answer because there are so many tools available. The first part is to separate the issue of infrastructure and software/applications.

The infrastructure will be the network or cloud-based platform upon which your toolset functions. Historically this was split between telephony needs and data/storage needs. Think about a telephone line and telephones being one part and the server/storage and computers as the other part.

Having these two sets of hardware/infrastructure separate to each other is still quite common. But there is an issue, it is expensive and lacks integration. This problem gave rise to what is commonly referred to as a Converged Network or Cloud Converged Network. Essentially both parts smashed into one and accessed via a data connection. Also, with all the infrastructure in the cloud, it removes the need for on-site servers, technical staff and equipment.

The ability to combine technology is where the solution starts to bring efficiency and cost savings.

As an example, there is no reason why you cannot use your mobile phone to perform all of the following applications:

  • Email
  • Chat
  • Telephone Calls
  • Video Calls / Conferencing
  • Document Sharing & Editing
  • Project Management

Mytelnet offer converged infrastructure for both telephony and communication collaboration. Our services are cloud based and remove the need for buying hardware and maintaining your own storage and networks.

In addition, we have added a leading communications platform that works anywhere you are and your staff are located for no extra cost. In other, words all your telephone requirements (both voice and video) sit in one place and in the same place as your communication platform. This brings efficiency because you no longer need to switch between different systems, networks, applications and devices (desktop to mobile for example).

We also offer apps on both Android and IOS that do not drain your devices battery, memory or data. The Mytelnet solutions also integrate into your new or existing IP hardware, like your desk or conference phones.

Our affordable and flexible packages give your business the ability to scale up and down in uncertain times. Put your voice, video and messaging in one place and get your team into that productivity sweet spot.

Try Mytelnet for yourself.  Effortless communication is only a few minutes away, start your free trial and be a part of the business communication revolution.

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