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The words project management often lead people to think of large complex applications with obscure and strange-looking Gantt and PERT charts. And while these applications are a necessity for many large and complex projects, they can be overkill for some individual or small group projects and tasks.
But that doesn’t mean that there is no need for an application to help with managing a project. For many of us, something as simple as a way to track the progress of tasks and projects, as well as easily share information with others, is all that is needed to help make a successful project.
Of course, simple task management tools are built into many products, from e-mail applications to hosted collaboration systems. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for one more.
Wrike is a Web-based application that makes it simple to trigger projects and tasks from the medium in which most projects and tasks originate, namely e-mail. Once a user is logged into Wrike, he or she can create a new project simply by sending a regular e-mail message and CC:ing wrike@wrike.com.
The recipient of the e-mail becomes the person responsible for the project and others who are cc:ed can share in the project. It is also possible to define settings such as a project deadline simply by putting the deadline in the subject using a format like this: [2007-07-03].
Those who are sharing in a task get an invite to Wrike where they can log in and access the information on the project. Whenever information on the project changes, Wrike can send out reminders to participants.
Of course, Wrike can also be used strictly as a Web-based application. From the main Web interface we could view Gantt charts of projects, upload documents and add useful information. It is also possible to launch new projects from the main Web interface.
Wrike offers a free individual plan that is useful for those who aren’t constantly dealing with new projects. For more advanced users and businesses, professional options are available that range in price from $5 per month to $249 per month for 100 users.