Project/Time Mgt. Program Comparison (Learning of Unit 9)

For ENGR 6923 Learning of Unit 9, several popular project/time management programs were looked at and taken for a test run (evaluation). The programs that will be discussed are Google Calendar, MyOffice (Facebook Application), ZohoProject, & Yugma.

Google Calendar – This program offered by Google seems to be modeled just like the calendar portion of MS Outlook. One can track their daily events and invite others to view their calendar. There is some functionality in regards to how one can view their schedule and tasks, but that is about it. This is a very simple program to use, but it lacks quite a bit of functionality.

MyOffice – This program is offered by Facebook, and is a few steps above the Google Calendar. Once a group is created withing this program, one can invite whomever they want to join. From there, documents be be uploaded for the group to review, topics can be suggested for discussion, tasks can be assigned to members of the group, and events/milestones can be tracked within the group calendar.

ZohoProject – This program is similar to the one offered by Facebook, but slightly more advanced. The same functionality mentioned in the previous paragraph is present within this program, with also the ability to view a tracking gantt chart and schedule meetings with other group members. This program is slightly easier to use than the one offered by Facebook as all of the menus/screens are much easier to use and have more options available.

Yugma – This program really leaves the project/time management side of things and deals with “real time” collaboration. I participated in a trial with a fellow classmate (James) and went through all the bells and whistles of this program. Basically with Yugma, one can share their desktop with others and also grant permission for others to take control of their desktop remotely. With that, one can also record what they do and play it back for everyone (who is viewing) to review. Very large files can also be transferred between users (rather than relying on e-mail). This program reminded me of a way cooler and free version of Windows NetMeeting. It was by far my favorite program of this particular evaluation.