When I begin working with an organization on its collaboration efforts, I often find that the company already supports a number of tools. Some have different solutions for different functions, such as calling, messaging, file sharing and video meetings. And others run multiple platforms that essentially do the same things.

It’s sometimes necessary, of course, for organizations to adopt and support multiple collaboration solutions. But there really can be such a thing as too much when it comes to these tools. It’s not just that the cost of purchasing and supporting more solutions will naturally be higher than the cost of purchasing and supporting fewer platforms. There’s also the danger of employees becoming confused about the differences among the various tools — and, therefore, using them less (or less effectively).

An unwieldly, sprawling collaboration environment can lead to an organization paying more for less productivity. Here are some steps we take to help business and IT leaders find the right mix of collaboration tools for their organizations.

Right now, as social distancing keeps everyone away from each other, we need technology more than ever to bring us together. But to be a legitimate part of business continuity plans, that technology must do more than connect us — it needs to simplify our jobs, foster collaboration and increase engagement. Achieving those aims is as much about the users as it is about the technology at hand.

Here are some tips for significantly improving meeting experiences through end-user enablement, marketing and communication, and a service desk adoption strategy.