aheadOffice is a web 2.0 online collaboration software which presents a full set of tools for project management and development by remote teams, for offshore customers, or projects within medium- or big-sized companies.
Background
aheadWorks, an offshore web development company that creates custom web solutions for organizations of all sizes has recently released aheadOffice, a collaborative groupware solution. The majority of aheadWorks' experience is in creating shopping carts, portals, corporate sites, and content management tools.
aheadOffice was designed for organizations who:
- are doing business online
- have offshore clients, partners or contractors
- have 2 or more departments which need tight collaboration
- consist of 10+ people
- need to coordinate distanced people
aheadOffice is offered in two forms: a hosted version and a software package. The hosted version is maintained on the aheadOffice's server and is accessed by users through a subdomain. The software version is a downloadable package that companies can install on either their Internet or Intranet. Figure 1 (Hosted Pricing) and Figure 2 (Software Pricing), below outline the pricing strategy for each version.
Pricing Strategies
The Dashboard
If you appreciate user interfaces that have a minimalist feel to them, then you will like the aAheadOffice dashboard. The overall look and feel is uncluttered and clean. There aren't any distracting color schemes or redundant text or graphics. The seven main icons are:
- Announcements
- Calendar
- Contacts
- File Share
- Projects
- Tasks
- Reports
The placement of the icons is across the top of the screen which lends itself to quick accessibility. Each icon is accompanied by a drop down menu that enables users access to additional functions.
I really enjoyed the fact that there aren't any distracting color schemes or graphics that would distract the user from getting the job done (see Figure 3 below).
The Dashboard
Functions
aheadOffice works as a fully-functional team collaboration platform where virtual teams can share and interact. Everything that a team would need to collaborate on a project is available in aheadOffice. If a client needs an invoice the project manager can create one in aheadOffice. If an invoice is needed on a weekly or bi-weekly basis the project manager can use the reoccurring invoice function, which will automatically calculate the client's bill.
aheadOffice does not have real-time instant messaging available in collaboration solutions such as ConceptShare and Basecamp. But, aheadOffice does provide a messaging option, somewhat like a threaded discussion, that is visible to all users within each project (see Figure 4 below).
Fileshare is simple and easy in aheadOffice. Just click on the 'File Share' icon and a window will pop. Within the window you can name the file, provide a description, and upload the file. All of the main file types such as .doc, .ppt, . xls, and .jpg are supported by aheadOffice (see Figure 5 below).
Function Screenshots
My Recommendation
aheadOffice would make a great collaboration tool for project management teams. It is a robust, unassuming program that has the ability to make team collaboration a painless process. The biggest downside to aheadOffice is the price, which is higher when compared to other collboration solutions with the same functions and features. aheadOffice does provide a free, full-featured demo account so you can try it before you buy it.
Also try The Five Best Easy-to-Use Project Management Project Management Software Programs written by Ronda Roberts for a review of additional project management solutions.