Google Drive Is An Integrated Project Management Tool

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For my latest project, I was looking for a cloud based service that I can use together with my colleagues as our project management collaboration tool.

I have been using the TeamLab services for a time. It has somewhat served me and my previous colleagues' needs, however, I was also looking for something that is easier to manage and use. Also some member of the team I previously worked with impressed in me that they cannot follow everything posted in the site. Another thing is I was looking for something that I can manage all the tools within only one web service which TeamLab has failed to satisfy. (This does not mean I have given up on TeamLab, it is still a great project management tool offered as a cloud service and improvements are ongoing. But my own set of criteria for the moment tells me I have to.)

Fortunately, I didn't have to look far and wide, I have discovered that Google Drive can satisfy my and my team's needs for a collaboration tool. Aside from being a files cloud storage, it has some additional web applications that can be useful as a tool for my profession and services. And what I experienced was truly amazing. In the course of finding useful tools, I discovered four cloud project management services that can be integrated with all of my Google services.

The application I've integrated with my Google Drive were:
1. Gantter Work Schedule. This is a cloud based service that works like Microsoft Project. It can even import files done with MS Project or saved as an mpp file. The WBS file you have created can even be shared to your co-workers either through the Gantter services or if you preferred to save the file in your Google Drive, then share the generated link directly. Even saving the file in Google Drive, you have to install in your Chrome browser an application to open and edit the file. There is no need to download the application to your computer as working in Chrome browser is also fine. The service is offered free and the browser application works only for Chrome, though the service platform is available for all browsers.

2. Mindjet Project and Task Management. I find this task management tool a better alternative or a complimentary service to Google Calendar's task management. Each task can be categorized as personal or  a project management task. The best feature is it can be integrated with your Google Calendar and can use Google's reminder facility like sending a SMS message. Though I like very much the Mindjet's email service that sends you a daily reminder.

For project management use, create a project folder, add members and assign tasks. Project members can view or create tasks. A report can also be generated to monitor status of the project and each tasks.

Another feature of this service is its mind mapping tool which is a great way to record ideas and concepts. This tool is very versatile as it can also be used for charting. Files created within the service can be directly saved to or opened from your Google Drive.

3. LucidChart. Another valuable tool that can be integrated for charting or mapping processes, organization, and other charting needs of projects. The service is not completely free. Number of pages or objects are limited for each file created on a free account. If you decide to buy a service, then the limitations are nil. Files created in the service are interchangeable with MS Visio.

4. Yam Labs. Having a meeting? This is another invaluable tool which everyone in your project can view and follow while the meeting is being conducted . What ever is being discussed are recorded and can be viewed instantly by everyone on their own devices. Within the service, there are many tools useful in any meeting. The meeting's minutes, the discussions, action plans and ideas generated are instantly recorded. All of these can be accessed by every attendee in the meeting and can be sent to anyone immediately right after the meeting ended. Talk about speed, huh.

These four cloud based services which I integrated with my Google Drive did the job as I expected. I will appreciate if you can recommend some more which you have experienced.