Project Management Solution: August 2013

If you are reading your web email by using only a web browser such as Chrome, Firefox, or Internet Explorer, then you are already using web-based software. The five points of clarification are installation, maintenance, connectivity, data storage, and security.

Hassle-free installation

Regular desktop software packages are installed on individual computers. Most often, IT experts are needed to determine compatibility issues, configure directories and drivers, and install the program step by step. In contrast, web-based software is not installed. You only need to go to the website using a web browser that usually comes with the standard operating system of your computer. Then, you log in with your registered account to start using it. Installation, configuration, or compatibility problems are nonexistent.

Nowadays, many providers are even allowing users to try their applications for free for a limited time before making them decide to purchase the product or service.

Automatic updates and synchronized version control

Software installed on computers usually need regular bug fixes or updates. As the owner, you need to be aware of and regularly install updates to resolve recently discovered software bugs and vulnerabilities. Web-based applications do not need this kind of maintenance, because they are updated automatically, most of the time unnoticed.

You do not have to keep track of whose computer is running what version of software, because every computer is always running the same version: the latest. There will be no inconsistencies. Even if there are bugs that need to be fixed, it will be the same for everyone. Fixes will be easier and quicker to implement, because issues are easily tracked and documented on only one version of the software.

Connect to work from anywhere

With regular software, you are limited to work on a computer that has the complete program, required license, and latest data. Your place of work is dictated by the location and availability of this computer. Such restriction is not present when you use web-based software. It does not impose any limit to where you can work.

Your office becomes anywhere you want it to be. It can be the head office, an international branch, your seat while you are traveling, or any place where you can access the Internet. Several people can use it at the same time, so collaboration has become easier. As a result, work is getting done more quickly, and critical information becomes available readily.

Centralized storage of all data

When data is installed or copied in a specific computer, it becomes localized, accessible only to the user of that computer. It will only remain relevant and useful as long as it has the most recent information. But what if your enterprise has hundreds of client computers spread across several cities, states, or countries, constantly updating information by the second?

Since no data is kept on client devices with web-based software, you can be sure that everyone is using the same updated information stored on a central server to give an accurate picture of what is going on in the business at any specific time. The data is updated in real-time, and the reports are accurate, so good business decisions can be made.

Safe and secure working environment

Usually, data is saved on individual hard drives or portable storage devices. With data all over multiple devices, it becomes a security nightmare. Opportunities for hacking and theft are increased. Multiple copies of different data to be backed up becomes confusing, with the possibility of the backup getting misplaced. Add to that the issue of having the latest security patches and antivirus vaccines to safeguard valuable data.

But when you use web-based software, these multiple points of vulnerabilities are eliminated. Your data is stored on servers that have multiple layers of security, regularly updated with the latest software patches, and backed-up daily. These servers reside in a data center that is secured from unauthorized human or program access, and equipped with several levels of redundancy against power or connection failure, with backup stored in an off-site storage.

On the other end of the connection, running nothing else but a web browser gives you significantly fewer chances of getting infected by malware or virus. There is also no danger of corrupting your database, since it is not installed on your local computer.

What it is

Web-based software is a set of programs that access centralized data and runs on secure servers typically located outside your own local network or premises but easily accessed through the Internet. The web pages you see with your browser serves as the user interface. This interface gives you control to run programs and processes, which may send output information or reports also to your browser.

The Advantages

For users in general, using web-based software is easier, because it is less intimidating technically, without the hassle of installation, configuration, and upkeep. It is relatively cheaper, because you do not have to buy multiple licenses, and some applications are even offered for free. It is portable, unlike traditional software that has to be installed in each and every computer to be used. This kind of application is more reliable, because it is centralized, and with Web 2.0, it is becoming even more powerful than regular desktop software.

Best for business

If you have your own business or if you run a corporate enterprise, using web-based software is ideal. When you use such software, you do not have to worry about the technical details, so you can concentrate on your business. An application service provider (ASP) or the company that is hosting the software handles pretty much everything what an IT department usually does. You only do what matters to you and your business, while they make sure you can use their applications whenever you need it.

So, what is web-based software? It is a great many things available for you to use right now.

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Small and large companies around the world choose Web-based software to manage their projects today. Web-based project management software brings more usability, convenience and value to companies of any size and industry. Web-based project management software doesn't require dedicated technical specialists to maintain and support. It is up and running in seconds. Web-based project management tools improve your project communications and the overall productivity of your team.

Gives you access to your data from any computer.

Unlike traditional tools, hosted project management software requires no installation and can be used at any computer. You only need a Web browser and an internet connection. You can access your data from the office, at home, in a hotel room or in the airport. As a Web-based project management software,

Makes collaboration easy.

Collaboration is an intrinsic part of project management. When you work in the same office, it might not be a problem. However, if you need to share a project plan with your international partners, delegate tasks to your offshore team or control contractors across the country, you need a reliable platform for collaboration. Web-based project management software helps you keep the project plan in a central place, so all of you have up-to-the-minute access to the business-critical project information.

Teams can share knowledge and collaborate smoothly to complete tasks and deliverables. Online project management software can help you adjust activities quickly to accommodate project changes and updates.

If your project plans change often, you need to keep everybody in the loop. Online project management software's help is vitally important to you. Smart notifications via email keep team members well-informed on newly assigned and updated tasks, making your team able to work efficiently. Online project management software allows you to work on tasks together, communicate on issues and discuss problems as efficiently as if you were working in the same office.

Increases productivity.

Keeping project information in single place makes collaboration smooth and reduces misunderstanding. Online project management software helps people to work together more effectively and increase organizational productivity. Web-based project management software saves the project manager's time on routine operations like updating plans, collecting reports and reminding people about what needs to be done. The project manager can always see who is responsible for each task, instantly keep track of changes and evaluate project progress. Each team member knows exactly what needs to be done. Hosted project management software puts you in control and your team on the same page.

Affordable.

Instead of a thousand dollars, you pay only a few dollars per month. You pay for the period of time when you run your project and use the project management software. Web-based project management software does not require installation and maintenance costs. This allows you to start using online software as soon as possible without additional investment or rescheduling your budget.

Updated automatically.

When using a Web-based project management solution, you are always using its latest version. All software updates are made automatically, so you don't need to worry about it. Besides, such software updates are made for free, so you save time and money.

Easy to use.

When you buy hosted project management software, you save time and money on employee training. Even inexperienced users can be quickly plunged into collaboration.