Knowledge Sharing Apps: Collaborating And Sharing Knowledge Easier
There are many great knowledge sharing apps on the market, so to get you started, here are 5 of the most adaptable ones.
1. BoostHQ
BoostHQ is one of the most popular apps for your team to share links, files, and thoughts on topics that are useful, interesting, or important.
What is great about BoostHQ is that everything team members share is automatically indexed in topic specific channels and they can access it exactly when they want it. BoostHQ integrates with just about every file-sharing system imaginable, including DropBox, Google Docs, YouTube, Evernote, Instagram, OneDrive, etc. It also allows you to create many channels for multiple purposes so you can keep each project organized. BoostHQ also has a Chrome browser extension which allows you to share links (articles, blogs, videos) straight from your Chrome to any channel so you don't have to interrupt your workflow to share something.
As more and more workplaces strive for a more collaborative approach, this app allows you to curate your content, share it, and get real-time discussions going. Team members can learn from each other more easily with the free exchange of information.
Both the mobile and web app are free.
2. EdCast
EdCast is designed to create smarter work teams. A content discovery platform used by such clients as Hewlett Packard and Salesforce, it aggregates all your learning content from such sources as your learning management system, intranet, Subject Matter Experts, external providers, and preferred sources on the web. It allows users to build entire libraries of expert content with just the push of a button.
Its focus is on educating and empowering teams with the knowledge and building smarter, more collaborative learning environments within your workplace.
3. GSuite
GSuite is great for a workplace that relies heavily on Google. Previously known as Google Apps fro Work, it will bring together your Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Drive into one massive file sharing tool that seamlessly transitions from computers to phones to tablets. Its great advantage is that most employees are already at ease with Google technology, so it is one of the easiest knowledge-sharing systems to implement. Prices start around $5 a month per user. It lets you do all the basics and then so, from creating to editing to storing and sharing.
4. Evernote
Evernote is a perfect example of something that has been around for a while because not only does it work, but it works well. If you are in the creative arts industries, it is especially worth a look because it allows your team to brainstorm and capture inspiration as it strikes them. You can jot down a note by hand on your touch screen, you can type in a note, and you can record your spoken idea or even take a picture of it. You can keep project paperwork together for ease and sharing.
At about $34.99 a month, it has some great bells and whistles including a plug-in called Web Clipper. This lets you take entire web pages or screen shots or just articles and capture them to study later, and it files them appropriately for you. It helps your team share notes and notebooks and works seamless across multiple devices.
5. Zoho
Zoho is an easy-to-use way to put all your information into one searchable portal. Companies working with scattered teams across different geographic areas find it especially useful and it takes minimal technical knowledge to operate. It is usable in private and public workspaces and allows your teams to converse with each other. Its role in delivering training programs is popular as well.
Zoho is free for up to 3 users and $1 per user for 100+.
Final Word
Finding tools like knowledge sharing apps that allow your team members to collaborate and share knowledge easier and more effectively with each other is trending in the corporate world. Companies are starting to recognize how valuable teamwork and information exchange is in regards to productivity, profit, employee engagement and overall improving the company culture. Tools that are supplementary to the learning process that happens at work everyday are extremely valuable despite the popular belief that collaboration is a waste of time that just ends up distracting employees.
If implemented correctly, collaboration, and knowledge sharing, which collects informal learning, can actually be a profit strategy.