January 23, 2008
Graphics Tech
Basecamp: A collaboration engine
I have been using Basecamp for a few months now and I recommend it without reservation. In short, it is a collaboration tool that allows you to easily create a separate, password protected project center for each of your clients. You simply add a new section for the client and Basecamp automatically invites them (via e-mail) to enter the project center. The space resides on Basecamp's server, but it is branded with your organization's name and logo.
Your Basecamp subscription includes space for multiple projects and provides the tools for managing jobs, interacting with clients, editing copy, sharing files, and so on. It is a truly elegant solution. Thanks to my friend, web developer and designer Jesse Gardner of plasticmind.com for pointing me to it.
Having read the comments, let me add this: This experience also punctuated one of the fundamentals of marketing—less is often more. Basecamp is a product of 37signals, a true web innovator. Their philosophy states: “We believe most software is too complex. Too many features, too many buttons, too much confusion. We build easy to use web-based products with elegant interfaces and thoughtful features. We’re focused on executing on the basics beautifully.” They deliver just that. I never would have tried Basecamp had it not been for the simplicity and elegance of the interface. It looked usable to me and, more importantly, to my clients.
(Update: I recently signed up for the Basecamp affiliate program, so, if you sign up using this link, I make a commission. Thanks in advance if you do.)
If you want a little more flexibility on storage, etc., check out ActiveCollab, which has pretty much the same functionality. Only catch is that you run it on your own server space. So if you have it sitting on a machine by itself, you can put as many big files on it as you want.
Posted by: Winston Baccus | January 23, 2008 12:46 PM
We're using Wrike for our projects. It's different from Basecamp, as it allows you to integrate your project work with your inbox. It's very simple and agile. The cool thing is you're never limited on projects, so you can run as many of them as you need. I even manage my personal activities in this system.
Posted by: Kevin Nealon | January 24, 2008 4:45 AM
Hi Chuck,
My name is Nick Matteucci and I co-founded VCSonline.com 10 years ago because I was frustrated with project management software. It was too complex, expensive, and cumbersome for the people who were trying to collaborate, manage portfolios, and get things done. I have the best job in the world as I get to help companies reach their full potential through PM.
Sadly, our better known competitors (like Basecamp) are more interested in their exit strategy (heavily bought into by Jeff Bezos / Amazon VC) then fixing simple things their software should do easily and other things their software should never do (like prevent you from downloading your own data when you leave).
As for security, be very careful. All user passwords can be seen in plain text by anyone with admin rights. See for yourself: http://forum.37signals.com/basecamp/forums/5/topics/4104
Can I make a suggestion? If you want simple, sensible, and supportable REAL project management, I would welcome you to try our software, VPMi Express ($5/user/month). VPMi Express is cheaper then Basecamp and much more functional (unlimited documents, projects, real workplans, issues, timesheets, and issues).
VPMi is free for first 30 days and we have an extensive video training collection to help you get started.
This has been our life's work and we will still be doing this successfully long after the VCs are done playing.
I wish you luck in whatever you land on and you can feel free to write us with any questions you might have.
Best Regards,
Nick Matteucci, Co-Founder | nmatteucci@vcsonline.com
VPMi = Simple + Sensible + Supportable SaaS Project Management Software
Posted by: Nick Matteucci | January 24, 2008 7:46 AM
Just as an FYI, I'm running the Basecamp plan that offers secure logins, so passwords in cleartext isn't a problem for my clients. (https)
Posted by: Jesse Gardner | April 30, 2008 3:55 PM