Being a remote developer isn’t an easy task and as such having tools to make things going as smooth as possible is a must.
Deciding which tools can be time consuming so instead of rushing to find them by yourselves I’d like to leave here this list from Laila and a review for some of them from myself.
Slack
Best features:
- It has a multitude of possible integrations and also accept custom webhooks.
- Beyond chat it can do calls, yet without the conference benefit so is 1 to 1 only, still is better than nothing.
- You can participate of multiple organizations
- iOS/Android/Desktop/Web apps for free!
Downside:
- After a given number of messages you start to loose history, except if you have payed for the service
- File limit, which is removed/increased once you have payed
- No “hangouts” with multiple users unless payed
Trello
Best features:
- Simple drag n’ drop board that servers as Kanban, Scrum or any other task board
- Multiple users with organization groups
- Easily archive and recover tasks
- Online, no installation
- Totally free!
Downside:
- There is no integration with other tools
- Web only, no internet no app
- No calendar or gantt or any other management control
Toggl
Best features:
- Free
- Reports with total hours spent and break down by tasks and time periods
- Projects and tasks control
- Send email you when task is forgot running
Downside:
- Have to type tasks *
Google Drive
Best features:
- Free up to a given size
- Share with anyone using gmail
- Good enough replacement for Microsoft Office
Downside:
- The folder organization in really confusing
- The sharing system is also bad
- Size limit
- No encryption
appear.in
Best features:
- Free (with possibility of premium version)
- Web and iOS
- Good connection and stability
- Screen share
- Private rooms
Downside:
- iOS app only
- 8 people per room on free version
My choices
- Communication: Slack + appear.in
- Organization: Toggl + Trello
- Documents and Presentations: Prezi + Evernote + GDocs spreadsheets
Although I have my personal preference we are experimenting at my current remote team and I will come with further review of our toolchain.
See ya.