This past week, I had the incredible opportunity to work alongside some great designers & developers for the successful “re-branding” of @ScottWilliams website – BigIsTheNewSmall.com. For those that are unaware of @ScottWilliams, Scott the Campus Pastor of the Northwest Oklahoma City Campus of LifeChurch.tv – yeah, you know; works right along with Craig Groeschel …
We had never met; never really talked to each other – I had seen his blog, read some tweets but it was the chance encounter of our mutual following on Twitter that initiated direct communication and several online and phone conversations. He simply tweeted he needed some help with his website, I had some available time .. and offered up my services … you can see the results as the site was officially re-launched this past Tuesday.
Working with Scott, Kyle and Chris did bring about some challenges. I was coming at the tail end of the project to polish off some requests that Scott needed to happen but was just too much work for just one coder to complete within the short time frame. One of the challenges that bring me to today’s Friday Four is that of some options for Project Management and Online Collaboration Tools. I prefer web based solutions and here are four that I have explored and recommend as consideration.
1. activeCollab
activeCollab is a project management & collaboration tool that you can set up on your own server or local network. Work with your team, clients and contractors in an easy to use environment, while keeping full control over your data.
Pros: access to source code, self-hosted, unlimited projects, unlimited users, interface for mobile devices, invoicing module, checklist module, file sharing, time tracking.
Cons: self-hosted, requires knowledge of installing application – but straight forward documentation; if you go corporate – it will cost $499.00
2. DeskAway is a project management system that you can use to easily organize your team. DeskAway features shared calendars, task assignment system, file and document sharing, message boards and more. The free version comes with 25MB of storage and up to 5 members per team. You can check the pro versions here.
Pros: track work, delegate, share, collaborate
Cons: limited file storage, no invoicing module, limited branding, no docs access in FREE version
3. Basecamp
Basecamp offers to-do lists, wiki-style web-based text documents, milestone management, file sharing, time tracking, and a messaging system. It also offers integration with its own Campfire product.
Pros: customizable interface design, data exporting, 3rd-party integration, mobile support & applications, massive customer base
Cons: lack of functionality outside of project management, bland design
4. Teambox
A place for your team in Twitter-like project collaboration tool. Share tasks, messages, files. Get notified by email. Real group collaboration for your projects!
Pros: open source, 1-minute setup, secure, evolving, inbox-driven
Cons: need knowledge and experience with Roby on Rails if installing on server and UNIX as well.
Is there another that you prefer and actively use? I would love to hear about and please share as we seek to establish open and effective communication within and outside the ministry walls.