O2O: The Shift from Offline to Online
April 15, 2020
Brilliant Businesses & Websites
May 4, 2020
Remote work tools: 10 free premium software for your business during COVID-19
The new norm brought about by the novel Coronavirus pandemic has drastically reformed the day-to-day operations of businesses around the globe - with many unprepared of the sudden shift.
Related reading: O2O: The shift from offline to online.
To help companies adjust amid the ongoing crisis, tech vendors are taking the opportunity to provide free versions of their software to serve the wave of demand for tools that support remote work.
Listed below is a roundup of these powerful applications that aim to assist organizations and teams of all sizes.
1Password
Password and security management
1Password has extended the 30-day trial period of its business account.
Newly registered users can now get 6 months of free access to 1Password Business - their subscription plan that carries five times the storage, and a VIP support team.
Adobe
Design and web conferencing programs
Adobe enables distance learning by providing students and educators with temporary at-home access to Adobe Creative cloud until May 31, 2020. This applies to schools or colleges that currently have lab-only access to the creative suite.
Additionally, Adobe Connect - their web conferencing platform is offered free for 90 days between now until July 1st.
Atlassian
Workflow and project management
Atlassian announced the availability of their flagship products, Jira for issue tracking, and Confluence for project tracking to teams of less than 10 people.
They are also giving out 1-year subscriptions of Trello Business Class to educators at K-12 and higher education institutions.
Calendly
Online scheduling software
Calendly will now support free integrations with video meeting tools, GoToMeeting, and Zoom up to 30th of June 2020.
Free premium plan access is also extended to researchers and teams helping the fight against COVID-19.
Dropbox
Cloud storage service
Dropbox Business and HelloSign Enterprise Subscription- their eSignature platform are offered free for 3 months to NGOs and nonprofits focused on solving the COVID-19 crisis and to K-12 teachers facilitating distance learning.
Facebook Workplace
Collaboration and file sharing
Facebook is providing Workplace Advanced - its internal collaboration tool complete with video calling, instant messaging, and information sharing to emergency and government services.
The offer is valid for new sign-ups until June 30, 2020.
Jotform
Form builder and data collection
Jotform grants free and unlimited HIPAA-compliant accounts with access to all features to eligible frontline workers especially those in healthcare, government, and nonprofit fields.
Google sets aside $340 million in ad credits to mid-sized businesses with active Google accounts which can be used as future ad spend through 2020 on the Google Ads platform.
Microsoft
Collaboration and productivity apps
In response to the increasing need for employees to work remotely, Microsoft is providing free 6-month Office 365 E1 Trial, including Microsoft Teams.
Zapier
App integration and workflow automation
Zapier is offering free starter plans valid through 2020 for eligible groups which include health workers, first responders, and non-political humanitarian efforts fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusion
Working remotely should not necessarily equate to a loss in productivity. These complimentary digital tools might just be what your business needs to improve your team's efficiency and performance.
Take advantage of the resources made available, and reevaluate how these can help you adapt better flexible working arrangements from this point forward.
