Collaboration Tools: Free and Non-Networked
Most large companies have great resources for collaboration, but they may be limited to players within your firm. When your proposal includes partners or sub-contractors, you may not have time to get them access to your network.
Medium-sized firms may have fewer tools, and small firms are usually looking for resources they can use on an ad-hoc basis.
Here are two tools you may want to add to your toolbox:
Vyew is a file sharing tool. Pair this with a conference call, and you can conduct storyboard and proposal reviews, look over graphics and see the selection of photos your subcontractor has available. No software to download, so you can meet without an IT pre-meeting setup. (Ever try to configure a CEO’s desktop, by phone, for a NetMeeting as your guest? Nasty.) Up to 20 attendees. 
At a more conceptual stage of solution design? How about a Whiteboard for collaboration: GE Free on-line whiteboard tool. This whiteboard can have as many as three parties drawing at once. Again, paired with a conference call and you’ve got a great way to work on a drawing, mathematical or chemical problem, or discuss different ways to display data.
Let me know if you have other keen tools!
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