Team management refers to the techniques, processes and tools for organizing and coordinating a group of individuals working towards a common goal — A team.

In most cases in the computer or IT world this refers specifically to Document Management and Collaboration. In the broadest sense, Document Management and Collaboration systems can range from a shoe box, all the way to an enterprise content management system.

There are a number of common issues that are involved in managing documents, whether the system is an informal, ad-hoc, paper-based method for one person or a formal, structured, computer based system for many people across multiple locations.

While the activities of team and Document Management are not new, many of the tools used are. Individuals who are responsible for teams where members lack cohesion due to organizational structure, or physical distance, are increasingly turning to a new breed of software for team management. These tools combine planning and collaboration with features that provide a structure for team relationships and behaviors. In addition, these tools can be PC or web-based – or even a combination thereof.

The articles in this section deal specifically with open source or very affordable solutions for Document Management and Collaboration methods and tools. Primarily written for the Microsoft Windows environment, all these tools are available in other Operating Systems – and the techniques apply regardless.