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Project Management Tools: Does Zoho really make things easier?

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I was recently asked to review a website that is well known for its cloud software, and cloud productivity tools. In fact, their software in many ways predates the online efforts of both Google & Microsoft. Enter Zoho, well known for its online productivity tools that started production in 2005.

I’ve never used Zoho, so I thought I would ask a colleague to do a review of the site for you. In fact, Zoho has so many applications that it is hard to focus on one thing, and one thing. But this overview will just look Zoho Project Management tools, in the context of Zoho.

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The first thing I noticed when I loaded the company’s page was the great layout. It is a very simple design that is eye catching, and it is easy to find important information. There are several links right away to sign up for free, which is usually the first thing I look for on such a site, so having them readily available on the front page is excellent.

Getting Started

The site gives a good introduction to its service on the front page, so I know what I’m getting into. If the front page is designed to make a case for using the service, it does it very well, by its use of attractive, detailed icons and small simple sentences explaining in plain English exactly what it is that the service does. I followed several of the links to read client testimonials, and they each specifically outlined reasons to use the service.

What is Project Management

Project management online is a growing industry, and I have used it a number of times in the past, with some of the older PHP tools. While conventional face to face management may seem simple, project management online is designed to take these complicated tasks and make them even more simple.

With online project management, everyone sees the documents shared in the collaboration, and all changes are recorded instantly across the whole team. This prevents anyone from accidentally doubling over another team member’s work, and also works hard to make sure that everyone on the team is in the loop on the project itself.

How well does it work

The service works from the top down to make it simple, and it does this the only way possible: It takes control of everything. The service does calendaring, which makes it simple to set milestones, deadlines and more, as well as scheduling meetings.

There are also shared folders, so files for the project can easily be made available. There is a function for an online discussion board and group chat (group chat costs a bit extra) so communication becomes simple.

The project even will have integrated time sheets, so keeping track of who does what and for how long is easy and already integrated into the solution. The site even integrates directly into Google Apps, which is a wonderful solution if Google Apps is already used for a project, company or website.

Looks Do Matter

The site’s good design and layout both contribute to my perception of its reliability. If a company does not care how its website looks, how can I know it cares about its customers at all?

All the information I could possibly want is easy to access from the main page, and the layout makes sense, with all the categories on top divided in ways that are perfectly logical. They even have a contact form to use in case something is not covered.

All in all, it seems this company is dedicated to their customer experience, and the website is an excellent example of that. I’d be tempted to sign up for the paid version of the service. With all the different features available for project management, it seems like it would make the workflow of any group project much more efficient.

Mark Thompson

What project management tools have you tried? What did you like? What did you hate?

A Personal Review: Massachusetts Credit Union Website

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An associate of mine offered to review the website: Massachusetts credit union, which you can find at http://www.wcu.com. So it’s over to you, J. and thank you for taking the time to review this site.

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Easily Accessible Rates

I absolutely loved how easy it was to find the various rates on this website. I have been shopping around for a new bank account for my girlfriend for a while, and know how buried some of these rates can be. Even though the law says they need to be out there, some sites still push them into the background.

With one click, (on the “for rates” button) I can instantly have access to the various rates the credit union offers on each account. Now, the fact that this credit union has an APY of 1% on their online savings account is intriguing, I’d switch if I didn’t have a better rate at the moment, but that’s neither here nor there.

Think About the User

I like that I can sign in to my home banking account right from the front page, and that it’s on the left of the page, which is where my eyes fall naturally. I’m a little confused as to why I’m required to sign in to all the different services separately. A unified login feature would be amazing, so I can check my account balance and my credit card status all in one go.

Were I using this site for the first time, I might experience some confusion about where exactly to log in. While the website isn’t exactly hideous, I’m not sure why there are so many colors going on. Not only are there eight different shades of green prominently featured, but red, tan, blue, and orange all make appearances. It all adds up to look a little bit on the messy side.

There’s also an overwhelming amount of links on the front page. I get that the goal is to get me to have to use as little of the page as possible, but it’s frustrating enough that it is kind of hard to figure out where I’m supposed to look. I would love to see the site use more of its pages for practical reasons.

Too Much Mumbo Jumbo?

Some of the services available make me nervous as well. What is a jumbo loan? Is it a loan that is bigger than a regular loan? Are the interests rates higher to go along with it? When it comes to my finances, there is a set of terminology that I am used to, and this certainly is not it.

Words like jumbo to me belong as descriptions for elephants in parades. When dealing with my money, I’d prefer the language be kept professional and typical. I’m grateful that the site makes it easy to find that it is a member of the CU Service Centers.

Accessible Banking Offline, too

But as a credit union member, I’m often asked how I can bank when I’m away from home, and the answer is simple. There are hundreds if not thousands of banks that are within a short distance from me no matter where I am, because of the CU Service Center network.

Functional: Needs TLC

Overall, I think the site is ugly but functional. There are a few tweaks that would make it excellent to use, but overall it certainly is not bad. It is easier to find information here than it is on many similar websites.

How does this site compare to your bank or financial services company? Do they get it? Or is their website just an afterthought? Write and share YOUR feedback with me!

How to Find the Best Foreclosure Deals

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Because of the struggling economy, many homeownersarefacingforeclosure. If you are looking for a home to buy, you might consider purchasing a foreclosure. This will enable you to buy a home below the market value. Before looking for a foreclosed home, you need to research your options to get a great deal.

You can look online at the foreclosure sale notices to see what homes are for sale. Your local newspaper will also list foreclosure notices. You can even subscribe to foreclosure listings, so you can see the best deals on homes. A lender will conduct a foreclosure auction; therefore, you need to arrange to attend the proceedings.

Before attending an auction, make sure that you have enough money available to purchase the property. If you will need to finance the home, you need to get pre-approved for a loan, so the money will be accessible.

Before attending an auction, drive by the home to make sure it is in good condition. You can also look at the neighborhood to see if it is safe and welcoming. When you find a home that you would like to purchase, you need to register with the person conducting the auction. They will want to know information about yourself, and they will need proof that you can afford the home.

You can then attend an auction and bid on the property. Make sure you do not go over your price range. If homes are not sold at auctions, you need to keep checking with the bank. In some cases, banks will be desperate to get rid of a home, so the price will continue to decline.

It also might be a good idea to hire a real estate agent. They will be familiar with properties that are close to foreclosure proceedings. You can then purchase a great home at an excellent price.