When most people think online project management and collaboration tools, they automatically think of Basecamp from 37signals. As a company they have helped define online project management as a serious contender in what has traditionally been an offline, software driven enterprise utility. But markets are always richer with choice, and the Copper Project from Melbourne based Element Software, offers worthy competition.
Copper Project is an online project management and collaboration tool used to share projects, tasks, files, contacts and events anywhere and at anytime. Teams create detailed project plans, then review progress while staff, clients, and subcontractors can log in and actively contribute. Other features include the ability to drag and drop timelines, send out email alerts and even import an MS Project MFL file.
The interface is visually pleasing and surprisingly easy to pick up, even for those with only a basic understanding of project management.
You may not have heard of Copper Project previously, but Element has been quietly growing an impressive list of enterprise customers. Names on the client list you may recognize: Coca Cola, Pennsylvania State University, OgilvyOne Worldwide, Ignition Interactive and the Royal Surf Lifesaving Association. Copper Project is offered as a hosted service or as a client hosted download, with plans ranging from $9/mo for personal use through to $199/mo for an enterprise license. Downloads range from $499 to $2999.
Copper Project will never be able to compete with Basecamp for the hearts of first adopters who may have used the free version of Basecamp in the past, but as an enterprise project management solution it offers a strong alternative.
Duncan Riley edits The Inquisitr, a daily dose of tech, pop and penguins, and will be contributing occasional posts on Australian startups for Mashable in the coming months.