0301 – Reginald's Repository

Slack allows us to use instant messaging so that we are always able to be in contact with one another. Unlike Facebook, Slack allows us to create channels to organize our conversations, add threads to those conversations and archive our channels so that we always have an easily searchable record of previous discussions. Slack integrates with Google Docs so we can share files easily.
A potential problem is that it may be difficult to find conversations when there are a lot of different channels and private messages.

Google Docs allows file sharing, exporting to popular doc types, real time editing, online storage and keeps track of changes all from within a browser.
Integration with Slack also helps streamline workflow.
Being free reduces overhead.

Github gives us a browser GUI and central repository to work from with the version control benefits of Git without using the command line.
Pull requests enable team members to review and suggest changes prior to merging with production code branches.
Github is free to use reducing overhead and can also integrate with Slack.
A potential problem with Github is that it is not very intuitive to users inexperienced with git or version control.

InVision is access via browser and also available for mobile devices.
Has an intuitive layout and features such as point and drag actions making prototype design fast and version history making changes simple.
Built in communication, live sharing of projects and Slack integration all aid in collaboration efforts.

Zenhub provides Agile project management to Github, which seems to be the way companies are moving for project development.
Tracks time spent working on issues and provides reports to optimize cycle time, and workflow to identify which areas need to improve in the future.
Zenhub can be configured provide automated updates to slack.

Zenhub’s project management features include detailed reporting, customizable workspaces, and automated workflows.
Built on top of our Github project for clearer picture of what team members are working on and how projects are progressing.
Zenhub also provides a road mapping solution, a feature lacking in Github.

Microsoft Azure is very well established and can provide secure development and testing environments quickly using DevTest Labs reusable templates and/or Windows Virtual machines.
Ability to connect to our hosted git repositories on github using Visual Studio Codespaces.
Note: I understand Azure is Iaas not Saas, I spent the most time on this one and seemed to come up with only discussions about theoretical code testing using Saas.

Google Analytics is free, keeping overhead low and is a popular marketing analytics tool providing reports on how people are using our website.
Slack integration/reports is also possible.
A potential problem would be a steep learning curve for first time users compared to other available solutions.

Again, being free keeps overhead down, and is reported to be feature rich extending beyond simple SEO.
Google is clearly well established and experienced with regard to search engine optimization so any free tool they have is worth a try.
The learning curve may initially be heavy but there are many avenues of support online, and the initial learning curve can be thought of as an investment with longer term dividends.

PageSpeed Insights is accessible within a browser and very intuitive to use simply by entering the webpage address.
PSI will analyze and return reports on websites for both desktop and mobile devices and suggests ways to improve speed.
Provides an API for more advanced and automated uses such as making multiple queries per second.

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