Groupware & Small Businesses

Groupware or CSCW tools are a big business for corporate giants like IBM and Microsoft. However, the products like IBM Lotus Notes or MS Sharepoint are expensive and too wall-to-wall solutions for small (or micro) businesses. The Open Source project Liferay also seems a bit over-sized for (e.g.) a consult office of six people. Still, many of such companies could, unquestionably, benefit from the use of groupware.

Companies of, let's say, 5-10 employees rarely have PC advisers or extensive computer support services. Thus the easiness of installation, use and maintenance of the groupware is crucial. They also seldom have the time or the money (or the desire) to really focus on the procuration process of such tool.

Luckily enough, there are options beyond Lotus Notes, Sharepoint or self-tailored wiki mash-ups. One risk-free example is TeamWox Collaboration Software, which is specifically designed for small businesses. It holds all the essential features (such as HR, documents management, e-mails, discussion board, task management, accounting etc.), but requires no outside integration or maintenance. And for ten users or less, it is free.