Huddle: Affordable collaboration software for small teams

Service: Huddle

What it does: A lightweight, low-cost alternative to standard collaboration software. Huddle is a network of secure online workspaces where teams or customers can come together to work on documents, plan projects and collaborate on ideas. Each individual workspace (or 'huddle') contains documents, notes, reminders and information relating to the project.

Why it will succeed. Huddle offers a very broad feature set. The service is gaining traction in the business world -- clients include Edelman, Reuters, Jazeera Airways and UNICEF. For the equivalent of about $20 a month, a company gets 10 workspaces, 128 bit SSL security and unlimited users.

Why it hasn't succeeded yet: Lots of competition, including Basecamp, WebOffice and Goplan -- the company will have to work hard to be heard above the noise. Moreover, Huddle's storage is skimpy -- the monthly fee only covers 2.5 gigabytes.

'Net views:

Rotorblog: "If you have been looking for a simple, enjoyable way to manage work relationships and personal project in one collaborative virtual space, you better start huddling up at Huddle.net. Huddle is a network of collaborative spaces that could bring practically everyone to converge in one virtual space."

Management: CEO Alastair Mitchell helped build the first online marketplace for the global food commodities at eteatrade. Based in the UK, and backed by Eden Ventures.

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