Basecamp

[|Basecamp] is a web-based project management tool developed by [|37 signals]. It allows users to collaborate and track projects. It is a very simple tool. You can set up projects, create to-do lists, schedule milestones, track time, share files, maintain a message board and specify who can see and contribute to each project. = =

Getting started:

 * Create entries for each person you want to collaborate with. You can setup an unlimited number of people.
 * Create a project and assign the person(s) to a project.
 * Set milestones for a project and create to-do lists.
 * Track time against a project (if your plan allows for file storage.)
 * Upload files to a project (if your plan allows for file storage.)
 * Collaborate with others via a message board.
 * Use the Dashboard to monitor the progress and status of each project.
 * Use the project overview and activity page to report and/or contribute to a project.

Features:
People are entered and given permission to view projects. You can specify which projects you want each person to see and contribute to. You can have an unlimited number of people.
 * People**

Projects can be created and tracked. The free account allows only one project. There are six different plans available, each allowing more projects as the monthly cost increases.
 * Projects**

Milestones can be created, assigned to a person and placed on a calendar with a due date. An email can be sent to the person at the time a milestone is created and 48 hours before the milestone is due. Take a tour of the milestone functionality by clicking [|here].
 * Milestones**

To-do lists are created within a project. Each list can be given a name and description. Each list can be assigned to a milestone if necessary. Individual tasks can be added to each list and each task can be assigned to a person. Tasks may be reordered within a list. Tasks may even be moved from one list to another list. The list of to-do lists can also re-ordered. When items on the list are completed they can be checked off. If necessary items can be reinstated. Take a tour of the to-do list functionality by clicking [|here].
 * To-do Lists**

Can be integrated to any calendar software program that is compatible with iCalendar. This integration allows a user to add a task or milestone to their own personal or work calendar. Click [|here] for a list of programs that are compatible with iCalendar.
 * iCalendar Integration**

Time can be tracked against a project by entering the date, number of hours, and the name of the person recording time in a time log. Or, the time may be recorded against a to-do list. Reports can be run against a project's time logs for an individual or for the project as a whole. Time tracking is only available on the top three plans (not available on Free, Personal or Basic plans.) Take a tour of the time tracking functionality by clicking [|here].
 * Track Time**

Files can be uploaded/downloaded and shared amongst people for each project (file sharing not allowed on free plan.) Take a tour of the file sharing functionality by clicking [|here].
 * Share Files**

The message board is where you can post messages to people including text, images and file attachments. Email can be sent to inform your people that a message has been posted. Take a tour of the message board functionality by clicking [|here].
 * Message Board**

Writeboards allow people to collaborate on a document. One person can start a document and others can be invited to review, revise and contribute comments on the document. RSS Feeds are available for each Writeboard. Take a tour of the writeboard functionality by clicking [|here].
 * Writeboard**

The dashboard is a summary of all your projects. You can see a list of all outstanding projects, any late and upcoming milestones and the latest activity on each project. You can go to any of your projects from this page or even create a new project here. Take a tour of the dashboard by clicking [|here].
 * Dashboard**

Each project has an overview page. The overview page is similar to the Dashboard except it is limited to a single project. RSS Feeds are available to track updates to any changes to the project overview. Take a tour of the project overview by clicking [|here].
 * Project Overview**

Cost
At this time there are 6 plans. The cost ranges from Free to $149/month. Click [|here] for the details of each plan.

Strengths

 * Simple, easy to use. Minimal learning curve.
 * Web-based, encourages collaboration from anywhere at anytime.
 * Unlimited number of people allowed to collaborate on all plans.
 * May be integrated with other software applications using standard APIs.
 * Pay on a month to month basis.
 * Multiple levels of plans allow the subscriber to subscribe to the level they require. Can upgrade or downgrade on a monthly basis if necessary.

Limitations

 * Cannot track monetary costs or resource consumption.
 * Limited reporting functions.
 * No Gant or Pert charts available.
 * Limited amount of file storage (maximum amount 50 GB)
 * Limited file size allowed to be uploaded (30 MB)