bill

Apr 27 2009

Project Management with 37signals

Project Management is nothing to be taken lightly. While many of us work our magic in creative design applications, it pays to master project management solutions too.

This week we’re going to take a look at three free web-based solutions maintained by web application design mavens 37signals.

As is often the case with free web services and programs, two of these are ‘base’ versions with much more capable premium versions, offered by subscription. I don’t need to tell you that these solutions are a great way to try out services well worth the money. Try it for free, then bill it to your clients.

Ta-da List

We’ll start with the most basic form of task management – the to-do list. How about a universally accessible list you can share with clients and colleagues?

Ta-da List is a free, web-based to-do list. It’s private (unless shared) and can be tracked via RSS. Lists are displayed logically, with an icon indicating how many outstanding items are in each. You are limited to 10 active lists (lists with all the items checked are not considered ‘active’).

Backpack

If lists lack the depth and description you’re looking for, try Backpack. This system sports may wiki-like features, allowing you to create customized pages with lists, inserted notes, automated reminders and body text.

Pay versions include image and file upload and the free version is limited to five pages and ten reminders. Dolled up with 37′s first class interface design, your pages can be tracked through RSS and shared.

Backpack is perfect for creative types, not interested in fixed structure and occasionally needing a friendly reminder.

Basecamp

Now, for serious project management, we’ve saved the best for last. Basecamp, 37signal’s original web-based project management system includes client-facing and internal access levels, and makes interacting with clients a breeze.

Manage milestones (complete with calendar), posts, user-based to-dos and categories while juggling multiple users. The milestone calendar can be viewed in iCal and changes are tracked via RSS.

File management and encryption are part of pay plans, while free packages come with one project and unlimited contacts. Backpack provides a wonderfully professional, organized face on your creative projects.

So, whatever your style, there’s a free solution from 37singals. Of course, once you land that big client you’ll waste no time in upgrading.

Brian

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