- Email - A POP3 email client is built into the application, which means you can consolidate all of your POP3 email accounts in one place online.
- File Sharing - Files are saved on a central server. An unusual feature is document view - giving users a thumbnail view of the document before they open. Users can also search within documents.
- Calendar - Reminders and notifications can be enabled for events. Tasks can be auto-created based on calendar events.
- Task List - Tasks can be assigned by group member and reminders and notifications can be set.
- Contact - Addresses can be imported from Outlook, Mozilla and Yahoo.
- Notes - Color coded and can be emailed. Can't, however, be attached to a document.
- Links - Create a list of links for the whole team to use.
- Discussion forums
- Instant Messaging
- Availability monitor - shows if a team member is online.
- WAP - wireless access can be enabled int he professional version
- Wiki - there is a group Wiki integrated into the application
Zoho Virtual Office is a download that is run off of your own servers, or your hosting server. 10 users or less is free (although with no WAP or SSH support). Licenses are very affordable - $295 annually for 25 users up to around $4,000 annually for 500 users.
Comparison with previously reviewed products:
- Sharepoint - Zoho is less expensive even for large-scale installations. I suspect the IT resources would be less for Zoho than Sharepoint. Since the company is smaller than Microsoft you also have a better chance of getting your suggestions for changes or add-ins in front of the right people.
- Groove - I like the ability to work offline with Groove, but Zoho offers document versioning.
- Basecamp - Zoho offers more features and the ability to host your own application and add file space.
- CollectiveX and 30Boxes - Zoho may offer too many features for family or small organization use. CollectiveX and 30Boxes shine in those areas. For real work, though, Zoho beats them both.
- Central Desktop - Zoho Virtual Office's interface will be very familiar and intuitive to any user of Microsoft products. There is very little learning time needed. Central Desktop is just slightly less intuitive. I do like how Central Desktop tracks versions and shows the percentage of the document that has changed. On the other hand, Zoho is cheaper and can be run on your own installation. I think Zoho has the edge on Central Desktop.
