The Best Project Management and Team Collaboration Tool: Moving from Basecamp to activeCollab
July 16, 2011
Can I start with these words…”I am in love!” I have been a huge Basecamp fan for several years now but I just had a fling with a sweet app called activeCollab® and I have been wooed into switching systems. This transition doesn’t come lightly and I have contemplated for months whether I would stay with Basecamp or upgrade to the next level because I was getting very close to my project limit. I decided that since I had to make a stronger commitment to Basecamp, I would first check to see what other tools were out there. I have reviewed tons of applications. I actually signed up for the trial accounts to get a true feel of the app. I needed to be sure that a new system would really be better than Basecamp before making the switch from a tool I had grown to love.
If you are interested in do similar research, here is a list of system I reviewed that just didn’t meet my needs or expectations. For others these tools may be the perfect solution, but I was looking for a tool that gave me greater control over roles and permissions while also including time tracking and invoicing. Another key feature I needed was the ability to track changes and revisions to my documents. I have to say that ProofHub.com was a strong contender but in the end, activeCollab® was the one who stole my heart.
Here is the review list:
- http://teambox.com/
- http://deskaway.com
- http://wrike.com/
- http://copperhq.com/
- http://proofhub.com
- http://huddle.net/
- http://activecollab.com
So Why the Switch to activeCollab®?
It’s self hosted. Rather than pay a monthly fee, users can purchase a one time license of $249 for SmallBiz or $499 for the Corporate version. With moving to the next level of service with Basecamp, at $49 per month I would have paid for the cost of the corporate version in 11 months. Don’t let the fact that activeCollab® is self-hosted scare you. Setup takes let than 10 minutes and there are a whole community of experts who can help you get setup in no time if you aren’t the techie type. Also there is a cool Probe.php app you can install on your webserver to verify if your server meets the system requirements. I am hosting my applications on 1and1.com and I have already tested that their linux plans are compatible with activeCollab.
Support tickets. I love the fact that this system allows my clients to submit support tickets. The ticket system is simple but effective. Whoo Hoo!
Built on PHP and MySQL technology. This tool has a plugin architecture and an API that allows users to extend its functionality. Finding a PHP and MySQL developer to write scripts and code to extend the functionality is a easy as posting a project on Freelancer.com.
Integration of Checklists. I love the fact that I can create global checklists that can be added to projects. This saves a ton of time when getting a new client project setup on the system.
Time Tracking. activeCollab® lets your team track how much time they are spending on each project and task. This data can be used to bill your clients, see how the time is spent and learn more about the projets you are working on.
Email Integration. activeCollab® keeps you and your associates in the loop by sending email notifications about new tickets, comments, file versions and more.
I hope you have found this post helpful. If you did, I’d love to hear from you so please post your comments below.
Using Tungle.me as Your Ultimate Meeting Planning and Calendar Scheduling Tool
July 3, 2011
Tungle.me is a scheduling application that syncs with your existing calendar.
- Eliminate double-bookings, time zone mishaps and the back-and-forth of finding a time to meet
- Easily schedule meetings, inside or outside your organization
- Invite others to schedule with you, without having to sign up
Inbound Scheduling
Others can visit your Tungle.me page and send you meeting invitations proposing multiple times without signing up. You pick the final time and it’s booked! You control the times shown as available and control who you share your page link with.
Outbound Scheduling
Send invitations proposing multiple times to one or many people. Tungle handles replies, automatically adjusts for different time zones, and prevents double bookings. Once booked,it’s automatically added to your calendar and all invitees receive email confirmations.
Syncs with your existing calendar:
- Microsoft Outlook (with or without exchange)
- Apple iCal and Entourage
- Google Calendar
- Lotus Notes
- BlackBerry
I love using this tool and have included the widget on my Facebook business page. I have also integrated it in my email signature and on my website. Click here to see my Tungle.me landing page.
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