Close
  • Latest News
  • Big Data and Analytics
  • Cloud
  • Networking
  • Cybersecurity
  • Applications
  • IT Management
  • Storage
  • Sponsored
  • Mobile
  • Small Business
  • Development
  • Database
  • Servers
  • Android
  • Apple
  • Innovation
  • Blogs
  • PC Hardware
  • Reviews
  • Search Engines
  • Virtualization
Read Down
Sign in
Close
Welcome!Log into your account
Forgot your password?
Read Down
Password recovery
Recover your password
Close
Search
Menu
Search
  • Latest News
  • Big Data and Analytics
  • Cloud
  • Networking
  • Cybersecurity
  • Applications
  • IT Management
  • Storage
  • Sponsored
  • Mobile
  • Small Business
  • Development
  • Database
  • Servers
  • Android
  • Apple
  • Innovation
  • Blogs
  • PC Hardware
  • Reviews
  • Search Engines
  • Virtualization
More
    Home Applications
    • Applications
    • IT Management

    Critical Testing Criteria: Web-Based Collaboration

    By
    eWEEK Labs
    -
    October 27, 2010
    Share
    Facebook
    Twitter
    Linkedin

      Several factors will play a role in determining the questions IT managers should ask when assessing Web-based collaborative applications, including the level of data security required, the need to collaborate in real time, and the need for customization options. Here are factors to consider when evaluating applications that allow users to share documents, tasks and projects, as well as create structured workflow applications such as a basic issue tracking or CRM app.

      1. Basic Capabilities

      Does the application include support for task management, both individual and shared? What project management features are included, such as charting, job costing and so on? What facilities does the product offer for contact management, including integration with existing contact information sources? Does the product include support for group calendars and resource scheduling? Does the product include document library functionality, and what management features, such as version control and check in/check out, are available? Does the product provide discussion forums?

      2. Advanced Capabilities

      Does the application allow users to build and share database-driven applications? Does the product allow users to store structured data? Can users build complex workflows? Does the product offer support for rules-based workflow, conditional triggers, formulas or user roles for application logic? What sort of alerting mechanisms for application workflow does the product support?

      3. Form Creation

      Applications allow varying degrees of flexibility when it comes to creating data-entry forms. Some products allow users to build only two-column forms, while others have more sophisticated embedded form editors or allow users to import forms from other applications, such as Microsoft InfoPath. Can applications share tables? What user methods and tools for creating database applications are supported? What application and structured-data formats may be imported?

      4. Real-time Collaboration

      Does the product include support for real-time collaboration features, such as presence data, instant messaging, Web conferencing, whiteboarding, desktop, application or media sharing, or document co-editing?

      5. Preconfigured Applications

      Database-driven applications can include a number of preconfigured applications, ranging in capability from issue tracking to human resource management. Having these applications available as preconfigured solutions can make it easy for users to get working quickly. In addition, they can serve as templates for creating other applications built on the same workflow. Companies should gather information about the availability of these applications and the ease with which they can be used to create other applications. In particular, are training and help systems available for preconfigured solutions? Does the product allow users to write online help and training systems for custom applications?

      6. Reporting

      Does the application support dashboards for graphical presentation of performance metrics? Does the product support both user and administrative reporting? What methods are available to users for creating reports and accessing raw data for reporting using third-party tools? Can the product generate reports and alerts specific to administration and security policies, such as when users are added and deleted? Administrators may need to use reports to look for violations of policy, such as building applications that include Social Security numbers. Does the product support reporting and alerts that watch for the creation of fields based on field parameters?

      7. Security

      Securing these applications, particularly when shared with external partners, will be a complex task for administrators. Companies should look for tools, including application life cycle policies and reporting, to help manage data access. Most hosted collaboration systems allow users to manage their own applications, not only by adding features and creating new applications but also by adding and removing users. What authentication sources does the product support? Can administrators define password complexity policies? Does the product support directory synchronization?

      eWEEK Labs

      MOST POPULAR ARTICLES

      Android

      Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro: Durability for Tough...

      Chris Preimesberger - December 5, 2020 0
      Have you ever dropped your phone, winced and felt the pain as it hit the sidewalk? Either the screen splintered like a windshield being...
      Read more
      Cloud

      Why Data Security Will Face Even Harsher...

      Chris Preimesberger - December 1, 2020 0
      Who would know more about details of the hacking process than an actual former career hacker? And who wants to understand all they can...
      Read more
      Cybersecurity

      How Veritas Is Shining a Light Into...

      eWEEK EDITORS - September 25, 2020 0
      Protecting data has always been one of the most important tasks in all of IT, yet as more companies become data companies at the...
      Read more
      Big Data and Analytics

      How NVIDIA A100 Station Brings Data Center...

      Zeus Kerravala - November 18, 2020 0
      There’s little debate that graphics processor unit manufacturer NVIDIA is the de facto standard when it comes to providing silicon to power machine learning...
      Read more
      Apple

      Why iPhone 12 Pro Makes Sense for...

      Wayne Rash - November 26, 2020 0
      If you’ve been watching the Apple commercials for the past three weeks, you already know what the company thinks will happen if you buy...
      Read more

      eWeek has the latest technology news and analysis, buying guides, and product reviews for IT professionals and technology buyers. The site’s focus is on innovative solutions and covering in-depth technical content. eWeek stays on the cutting edge of technology news and IT trends through interviews and expert analysis. Gain insight from top innovators and thought leaders in the fields of IT, business, enterprise software, startups, and more.

      Facebook
      Linkedin
      RSS
      Twitter
      Youtube

      Advertisers

      Advertise with TechnologyAdvice on eWeek and our other IT-focused platforms.

      Advertise with Us

      Menu

      • About eWeek
      • Subscribe to our Newsletter
      • Latest News

      Our Brands

      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms
      • About
      • Contact
      • Advertise
      • Sitemap
      • California – Do Not Sell My Information

      Property of TechnologyAdvice.
      © 2021 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

      Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.

      ×