Something better than Basecamp for managing multiple projects?

I was first introduced to Basecamp by Todd when working on the More Space project. Since then I have used it for a couple client projects. I have the 15 project subscription for about $22 per month. I like a lot of things about Basecamp but also wish it would do a few things it does not. I am wondering if there is something that better suits my needs and would love your feedback.

Here's what I like about Basecamp:

• It is web based and PC and Mac compatible. So anyone, anywhere can access the projects.
• It is fairly user friendly. Once you get the hang of things, updating projects is simple.
• It is easy to add people to projects.
• It is not too clogged up in detailed or complex stuff (this is why I hate MS Project, by the way).
• It is easy to share with clients.
• You can monitor multiple projects at once.
• It is affordable.

Here's what Basecamp does NOT do that I want:

• People who are assigned to just one project cannot see the to-dos assigned to just them. For big projects, this is a problem.
• You cannot put a deadline on to-dos, just milestones. I would like to be able to put a goal time for completion on to-dos and milestones. It would be nice to seeing the to-do that are coming due without having to look through the entire list of to-do lists (on big projects this is hundreds of to-dos). I am putting the deadline in the content of the to-do description, but this date is not tracked by Basecamp at all.
• I am using this to track several client projects. I am the company and my clients cannot see each other's projects. This is achieved because I add them to the projects only, and not to my company. The down side of this is that I cannot assign people to more than one project without adding them to the company and giving them access to ALL projects. I have another client who wants to use the software to track major projects from each department. There is some sensitive and confidential information in some projects so it is important to be able to manage access. But some people need access to more than one project, so I am not sure this is the right solution for him (or me).
• There are no reports or printer friendly lists. While the intent is to look online for the status, there is still a place for a few simple charts or project status printouts. Right now, you can print out the web pages, but this looks bad and will result in numerous pages when dealing with complex projects.
• Basecamp only offers email support and I have not found their email support to be that helpful. I had to write a few times and the person who answered me was not helpful and did not "listen" to what I was asking. His emails to me were short and contained no useful information. I would state what I want to do and he said, "You can't do that in Basecamp," or simply, "no," a few times. I can understand that it may not be feasible to have a customer service phone line for people using the free software, but as a paying subscriber, I would like the option to speak to a human.

I do want a web based solution. I want to track multiple projects. I want it to be simple to use. I want some basic reports/print outs. I want to be able to manage access. I want deadlines on milestones and to-dos. Buy the way, there is a huge market potential for something like this that helps leaders track and communicate progress to key projects and initiatives. I have several clients I would set this up with if I could find the right solution.

Let me know if you have any ideas for me. Thanks!

Comments

[Bren]

I know what you're talking about. I use it too, both at work and for personal projects. I haven't seen a better solution either, though the forums[1] have been useful at times.

It's really nice but, like you, I do wish for just a few tweaks. Sounds like 37Signals doesn't want to bloat the thing with too many features, but even a modular approach would be nice--let users add the features they desire.

[1] http://www.basecamphq.com/forum/index.php

[Shane Jones]

You should check out eProject (www.eproject.com). It's a great application that addresses many of the issues you outlined above. I used to work there, so I am a little biased. Even though I have moved on from the company, I still think it is the best product on the market.

[Lisa Haneberg]

Bren - thanks for the link to the forum, I had not checked that out.

Shane - Thanks for the suggestion, I will check out eproject.com - this is not a company I had looked at yet.

Has anyone else worked with eproject or Celoxis?

[Scott Offord]

I am a base camp user. I understand what you are saying about the features you desire, but personally I think their manifesto involves keeping it simple. However things like giving to-do's a deadline would be nice.

Scott Offord
http://scottofford.com

[George Cruz]

Well, tried everything and settled with Celoxis for 1 simple reason - value.

Got their ASP version and my team ( 40+ ) users it with ease.

Their MS Project import was a big reason !

[Johanna Smart]

Basecamp definitively is too limited for serious, shared use. After trying several, we chose Teamwork, www.twproject.com. It's not perfect, but it keeps getting better at each new release. It has import/export with MS Project too.

[Ben Prendergast]

Have you guys tried Copper?

[Ben Prendergast]

URL: http://www.copperproject.com

[Scott Offord]

Did you ever find anything better than Bascamp? Scott Offord

[Joe S.]

Did you try 5pm (www.5pmweb.com)?

It has a very powerful and customizable interface (not the needless colors, but the actual information you see on the screen). It also has a larger set of features and even includes reports and a Gantt-like interactive Timeline.

Plus it can import your data from Basecamp for an easy migration. 14-day trial is available.

[Jared]

I also wanted to suggest 5pm (www.5pmweb.com). It's just a great tool. And I like how all the data is tightly placed on one dual-panel screen, with everything within a click or two.

Looks simple, but packs tons of features. I think the beauty is not in simplicity, but hiding the complexity.

I personally love it and anybody else I know said they have good impressions.

[Gektor]

+1 Vote for using http://www.5pmweb.com project management tools

[Gektor]

+1 Vote for using http://www.5pmweb.com project management tools

[Dave Lee]

Dunno if you're still looking for a solution, but you should take a look at TeamWork Live: http://www.teamworklive.com

It addresses most of the issues that you have with Basecamp:
1. All users can easily view their tasks even if they're only involved in one project.
2. Due dates can be assigned to all tasks (their version of to-dos). Your dashboard shows all upcoming tasks.
3. Users can only see the projects that they are invited to. If you invite them to two projects, they will only ever see information about those two projects.
4. They have some simple reports that do a good job of allowing you to track your projects and print them if necessary.
5. They offer phone support. Never used it, but their email support is pretty responsive.

Overall, I think you would be pretty happy with TeamWork Live if you like Basecamp but want to move beyond some of its limitations.

Check out my website too as I'm going to be tracking and comparing the other project management tools out there.

Dave

[Serg]

+1 5pm (www.5pmweb.com) They are really cool web based project software. Thanks a lot for article