Tools for Virtual Teams

Introduction
Virtual teams are extremely common in the contemporary world. Companies and organizations anticipate for ways to have more production at reduced cost and keep the team work spirit alive. Team and individual productivity the main concern of project managers when implementing project work. They have resulted to use of available task collaboration hardware and software that promote team collaboration, high productivity and high quality work, (Brown, 2007).

Discussion

These tools include tools such as task collaboration software that promote effective communication between the members of the team and functional teamwork environment. The tools can be used from any location and team management and members can access detailed task information, summary and related documentation. The software is used to gauge team's productivity and efficiency.

Wiki enterprise is a significant tool for virtual team which necessitates online, collaborative document editing and allow synchronous collaboration rather than asynchronous collaboration. Document management systems allow sharing, storing, retrieval and archiving of documents and provide an effective mechanism for teams in different localities to share such documents.
 

Communication tools promote dissemination of information across the company and beyond its boundaries in a trusted, reliable and secure manner. Also, Conferences and meeting which allow face to face interaction of teams. Formalized communication tools controlled through media, for example, progress reports, time sheets, issues and change request also promote team collaboration, (Huettner, 2007).
 

Project websites are highly significant as they hold vital information that members may access. Websites ensure effective communication and dissemination of key information to the members. Finally, use of emails ensures valuable information is conveyed to all members as they will also respond to such mails.

Conclusion 

Collaboration tools highly very beneficial for every organization considering the use of virtual teams. Virtual working environments promote team interaction, quick completion of projects, high productivity, and production of quality products and reduces interruptions that may cripple productivity, (Jarvis, 2010).

References
Brown, M. K., Huettner, B., & James-Tanny, C. (2007). Managing virtual teams: Getting the most from wikis, blogs, and other collaborative tools. Plano, Tex: Word Ware Pub.

Jarvis, D. E. (2010). 7 essentials for managing virtual teams. San Diego, Calif: University Readers.