Hi,
I started using NetOffice at the end of last year. We were closing up
some code libraries and getting ready to start the sales ventures, and
I knew I needed some type of project managing system, but had no real
time to go looking for a "good" one, so I grabbed two Open Source
programs, set them up on the server and went back to work, thinking I
would find a "better" one later.
Well, it?s later and I'm not even going to look. This one is very
nice, and the other one I downloaded had some great points, but I
liked this one better. I'll give you both links.
They are 100% web interface. Users have task management, with managers
on them, all of it is very simple to figure out, and use. The feature
that tied me with NetOffice, is there is a "customer" page, which is
simply outstanding. Time tracking (or not) Cost tracking (or not)...
the (or not)'s were a big selling point for me, because something?s
just need to get done, and I don't want to spend more time setting
these things up, than it takes to do them, but I do want the calendar,
and progress reports.. I'm sure you know exactly what I'm talking
about.
Okay, enough with the hype.
The server needs PHP, and MySQL for both. Installations are very simple.
The one I choose, because of my business needs, is called NetOffice.
The customer area allows a customer to log into the system and see
progress reports, upload files, engage in a forum (only he and his
team can see), check the documentation, sign off on project phases,
the whole works, without having any access to the rest of the area. It
was perfect, and has worked great for us.
http://netoffice.sourceforge.net/index.php
The second one, equally good, is called DotProject. This one is
probably going to be your choice as it centers on the Intranet access
of company communications. There is customer tracking and relation in
it, but not like NetOffice. The layout is well thought out, and easy
to navigate. It is stable (we used this for a month, before deciding
on, and switching to NetOfice).
http://www.dotproject.net/
DotProject has a demo of this package there, and it looks like they
have upgraded a good deal since the last time I looked at it.
NetOffice has Screen Shots, which do not justice. The interface is amazing.
Speaking as a coder, the code for the DotProject is great. Well
thought out, and documented. These guys spent a great deal of time in
the construction of this project.
The NetOffice is good as well, but what really sets it off is the
clean use of DHTML inside.
For Browsers, we use, Netscape, Mozilla, IE and Opera (comes with the
internet coding landscape), and I've never had a problem with either
of these.
If these aren't exactly what you are looking for there are others,
much more complex and with a great deal more features available. Just
let me know, and I'll hook you up with them, but if the Project
Professional is too much, those will probably be too much as well. The
NetOffice and DotProject were just right.
thanks,
webadept-ga |
