HCL Connections Cloud


HCL Connections Cloud










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HCL Connections Cloud

by Karen Spring

Copyright 2019, Faulkner Information Services. All Rights Reserved.

Docid: 00021143

Publication Date: 1911

Report Type: PRODUCT

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Connections Cloud, formerly from IBM and now owned by HCL, is a collaborative software suite that
corporate employees can access through networked computers, Web log-in, or
mobile devices. The purpose of Connections Cloud is to give companies the
ability to collaborate and work with others both inside and outside
the firewall. This report takes a look at the features of Connections
Cloud. 

Report Contents:

Description

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HCL Connections Cloud is a collaborative, cloud-based software package
of online services that
provides business users with file storing and file viewers, file sharing with
mobile sync and granular access control, contact management, project management, and business social networking capabilities designed to help
find and collaborate with business contacts, help enhance activities for task
management, share knowledge in communities, and participate in on-demand Web
meetings. Connections Cloud supports mobile devices, including Apple iPhone
and iPad and the Android platform. 


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IBM Company Profile

Connections Cloud was previously owned and marketed by IBM. In June 2019, IBM
sold select Collaboration, Commerce, Digital Experience, Notes, Domino, Unica,
AppScan, and BigFix solutions to HCL Technologies. Connections Cloud was
included in this acquisition. However, HCL has announced that it will terminate
service for Connections Cloud on July 16, 2020. 

Connections Cloud provides tools and applications to encourage collaboration
in a simple manner. Among the tools and offerings within this product suite
are: 

  • Connections Meetings Cloud online meetings
  • Connections Chat Cloud instant meetings
  • Connections Docs Cloud collaborative document editing 
  • Connections Files on Cloud file sharing
  • Project management from a single sign-on
  • Communities to organize teams and manage projects
  • Support for mobile devices including Apple’s iPhone and iPad, Windows
    Mobile, Google Android, and Nokia Symbian
  • Compliance with security standards (i.e. SAS 70 Type II, SSAE 16, ISO
    27001, and Safe Harbor)
  • Software Services for Collaboration to deliver tailored services and
    value-add applications through technical, advisory, and educational
    information.


Vendor

Name: HCL Corp.
HCL Technology Hub
Corporate Towers
Plot No 3A, Sector 126
Noida 202303 India
Phone: +91-120-4683000
Fax: +91-12-4683030
Web: https://www.hcl.com/
Type of Vendor: Computer and Communications Hardware, Software, and
Services 
Founded: 1976
Service Areas: Worldwide

Table 1 outlines the features of the HCL Connections Cloud product editions.

Table 1.
HCL Connections Cloud Product Editions
Product Features

Connections Cloud S1

 Connections Cloud is an online, subscription-based service which includes
a variety of apps that can be used for collaborating with colleagues,
suppliers, clients, and customers through email, instant messaging,
calendaring, and contact management.
Connections Cloud S2

Connections Cloud S2 is a suite of collaboration tools that combine
business social network with Web conferencing and collaboration capabilities,
like file storing and sharing, instant messaging, and
activity management.

Connections Social Cloud

 Supports
file networking and storage, business instant messaging, activity
management and social networking and individuals can collaborate beyond the
firewall. Collaboration tools include dashboards, people, files,
activities, instant messaging, and communities.

Applications

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Connections Cloud is designed to provide enterprise clients
of all sizes to provide their
users with secure and reliable email, calendaring, and instant messaging
services. 

Environment

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Connections Cloud is compatible with the following: 

  • Browsers
    • Google Chrome
    • Mozilla Firefox, Firefox ESR
    • Apple Safari 8, 9, 10, 11
    • Microsoft Internet Explorer 11
    • Microsoft Edge
  • Operating Systems
    • Microsoft Windows 7, 8 Classic, 10
    • Apple OS X 10.10, 10.11, 10.12

Support

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HCL customers can obtain support by submitting a case through the vendor’s
portal, fill out a guest form, or call (408) 550-1505. Effective July 16,
2020, HCL will end service for all parts related to Connections Cloud. Service
to Connections Cloud will be shut down on that date. Contract-related questions
can be directed to SaaSHCL@us.ibm.com. 

Pricing

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HCL and IBM are no longer actively marketing and selling Connections
Cloud. 

Competitors

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Collaboration software has a number of benefits especially since it helps
employees to work more efficiently and effectively. There are a number of
vendors touting their collaboration software products in the market. Many
smaller vendors are jumping into the pool as well. The following companies
compete with HCL in this space. 

  • Microsoft Office 365 
  • Altassian Software’s Confluence
  • Zoho Email and Collaboration
  • Slack Collaboration Software

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About the Author

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Karen M. Spring is a staff editor for Faulkner Information
Services, tracking several high-tech industries. She has research experience in
various topics including network security, data breaches, malware, public
safety, business continuity and resilience and vulnerabilities. She has written
on high-tech topics for publications in the k-12 and higher education industry.
Ms. Spring started her career as a marketing specialist for two computer
distributors, working closely with such clients as 3Com, IBM, Okidata, Unisys,
and Acer. 

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