Everyone knows about what is project management. It’s nothing but planning, organizing and managing the resources.But how to do? What is the right way to do it. Are there any tools available for project management and collaboration. How these tools can be useful and what are the features. These are the things we are going to analyze in this article. We will see best project collaboration tools available on web to manage projects easily.

Pros and Cons of Project Collaboration Tools

• Online project management lets you collaborate with project resources, manage project users, analyze risks, assign tasks, coordinate schedules and make your project a success from anywhere in the world.
• These project management apps are here to save you time, but they can also be very time-consuming and not intuitive.
• If you have a team who works with you remotely, then this is the right choice.

Project management process and its approach

Projects were generally managed by creative architects and engineers themselves. Major process steps are initiation, planning or development, production or execution, monitoring and controlling . To handle these process number of approaches are there like:

• Traditional approach
• Critical chain project management
• Extreme project management
• Event chain methodology
• Prince2 (Structured approach)
• Process based management.

1.Teambox

Teambox is listed first because it's the application we are currently using for 1stwebdesigner, but don't let that sway you. This is a place for your team in twitter like project collaboration tool. You can share tasks, messages, attach files and Notification by email.And also it’s an open source project.Teambox offers up to three projects free and offers 2000 projects for premium plans.And it’s very easy to use.

Advantages

• Easy to setup in 1 minute.
• Access from anywhere, anytime.
• Secure and backup of your data.
• Updating new features constantly.
• Notified by mails.

2.Basecamp

This is a project management,Collaboration and task web-based tool trusted by millions of users.The features are Share files, Meet deadlines, Assign tasks, Centralize feedback, Basecamp tackles project management from an entirely different angle: A focus on communication and collaboration. They have some extras and addons also.Four price planning is available , Each and every plan has30 days trial period.

Advantages

• Dashboard
• To-do lists
• File sharing
• Message boards
• Milestones
• Time tracking
• Project overview and comments on messages

3.Activecollab

A project management and collaboration tool.It will make your work and cooperation with your team, clients, suppliers and others much easier. Useful to keep projects on track, Email support, Extend and integrate of  modules,Collaborate,Save time.And new added features are invoice,subversion integration,Global documents,Drag and drop task management, Improved visual editor and much more…

Advantages

• Dashboard
• Manage projects
• Invoicing
• Track time
• Share files
• Email integration etc…

4.DeskAway

It’s an online project management, project collaboration,Task & issue tracking software.Easy to use for virtual,distributed and global teams.The main reasons why you have to use Deskaway are simple & affordable,Less email clutter,Delegation and tracking, Control is in your hand, Nothing to download and install,Backup of your data in daily basis,No risk and little more.Please read their FAQ’s and it will be very useful before your picking this tool.

Advantages

• Track work
• Delegate
• Share
• Collaborate

5.Teamwork

Web-based project management tool that helps managers,staff and clients work together more productivity online.Stay on track,Share & collaborate,work faster and host it yourself.you get room for 2 projects, free storage space and you can instantly upgrade to a paid plan at any time.

Benefits

• Manage projects
• Manage task lists
• Schedule milestones
• Add messages
• Time tracking
• Upload files
• Manage people
• E-mail integration
• Multi language support

6.5pm

5pm is an intuitive web-based project management tool.It is flexible and easy to use.you can request a custom plan here through mail.Backup your data nightly.256-bit high grade encryption for data security.Desktop tracker widget is available.Filter users in time line and much more features are available with multi language support.

Benefits

• Manage projects and tasks online.
• Share notes and files.
• Track time
• E-mail integration
• Customized reports
• Interactive timeline

7.Wrike

Project planning,management and tracking software.Can easily track your project.It gives you the full insight to your business.Your project plans are always up to date.30 day free trial pack is available for plans.Outlook synchronization,Windows mobile sync, icalendar and rss feeds are available for a reasonable price.

Benefits

• Complete picture for your business.
• Unique control
• More productive
• Very easy to use
• Intelligent email engine, So it works with any email software.

8.Wridea

Free online idea management and collaboration service.It’s a web-based service first to avoid your ideas being forgotten and organize your ideas.It’s already being used by more than 40,000 users.With the help of this tool, you can store your ideas, manage and organize them, collaborate with your friends over your ideas, etc. Wridea provides you all required tools and services for organizing your ideas.

Wridea Features

• Categorize your ideas under different pages.
• Share your ideas.
• Commenting on ideas.
• Customized environment.

9.ZOHO projects

A centralized place where relevant project documents and contents are stored, updates are posted, everyone exchange ideas and get work done.Top reasons to choose ZOHO projects.Beyond your planning …get projects done,Planning,Works smarter,Reporting and value for your money.The updates of ZOHO are project stream, Dedicated wiki, Group chat MS project integration.Free for one project with unlimited users.

Features

• Task dependency
• Milestones for a project
• Meetings
• Document sharing
• Dashboard and time tracking.

10.onstage

Team collaboration,Project management,File sharing and task software.Your business and communication can be more efficient and better organized.Easy file sharing,A free version forever, not just for 30 days. Plus, an unlimited number of users at no extra cost!

Technical features

• Document preview with ipaper from scribd.
• Optimized for PDA’s
• Multi language
• SSL encryption

11.Springloops

Source code management tool for web developers.You can do code in parallel and share it safely.Ultimate work flow,Easy management,Unique code browser and Basecamp integration are the main features in this tool.It’s free for 100MB only.

12.Rememberthemilk

This is an online to do list and task management.You can manage tasks quickly and easily.Get remind anywhere and you can locate your tasks here too.Remembermilk providing more number of services for their users like sync with Blackberry, Gmail, Android, for twitter , Manage your remember through google calendar and third party applitication or services etc…

13.Comindwork

Tools for Collaboration,Communication,Tracking and project management too.Comindwork  SaaS improves the knowledge work productivity in projects performed by teams in professional service firms (e.g. software, advertising & marketing, consulting, lawyers, NGO) and by divisions within enterprises (e.g. support, marketing, R&D, upper management).More benefits for project manager, to team and for your clients.Free for 20MB

Customizable features are

• Personal and project dashboards
• Business wiki and files with permissions
• Time tracking
• To-do lists,Milestones and notifications
• Report in Gantt charts.
• Customizable work flow and business rules
• Project level settings and lot more 250+customizable features.

14.Central Desktop

Central desktop “Over 375,000 users around the globe rely on Central Desktop every day to accelerate their business, connect their people, and manage their projects.” Free usage for 25 MB.

• Quick setup
• Enterprise grade search.
• Real-time collaboration
• Centralized communication
• Team accountability

15.Ajaxworkspace

AJAXworkspace offers more than 10 powerful online project management and collaboration features such as project dashboard, tracking software, task management, document management, file sharing, and discussion board.It consists of an integrated suite of simple and easy-to-use collaboration functionality.This is an ideal tool for any type of project management regardless of whether you are working in a company or a freelancer from home.

Other Features

• Bookmark
• Personalization
• Security access control
• Event calendar
• Graphical reporting tool

More tools

• Myclientspot
• Myintervals
• Goplanapp
• Fengoffice
• Nozbe
• Proworkflow

Let us know what are your favorite project collaboration tools and tips.

Imagine if  freelancers have x-ray vision or suppose Apple approves a gadget that makes x-ray vision possible, (iVision). If this is possible then freelancers will not have any problem in discerning a potentially great client from a deadbeat one. Sadly freelancers don’t have x-ray vision but, learning how to identify a deadbeat client the old-fashioned way is an invaluable tool. So first things, first.

What is a deadbeat client?

A deadbeat client is any client who gives the freelancer extra problems during the span of the project, outside the normal specifications of the project.

In this article we will see different types of deadbeat clients and how to spot them.

1. The Walking Billboard or Profit Share

On the Surface:

Calm, cool, and collected. The Walking Billboard sometimes known as “The Profit Share”, will seem very charismatic. Opportunity is this client’s middle name. After meeting with this client for the first time, one feels refreshed. One may even feel vaguely inspired. Everyone knows this client and the Walking Billboard knows this. This client may even have the reputation of a mover-and-shaker or hustler.

Common Phrases:

• “By letting you help with our site, you should see some big money.”
• “I really think this site is a million dollar idea.”
• “I know and /or partied with (insert random celebrity)”

What’s the Pay?

Name dropping, and a byline. The Walking Billboard will assure you that the referrals will happen. The Profit Share will guarantee you a part of the business. Which of course is a million-dollar-can’t-lose idea, remember?

The Ugly Truth:

This client doesn’t value your time. They believe that their brains hold the keys to the next Facebook, Myspace, or Youtube. They think that by “letting you” design their site they are doing you a favor. Why do you need to get paid? They are going to tell all of their friends about you and allow you to put your link at the bottom of their footer. With all of their networking connections and web traffic, that’s better than money in the bank!

The Strategy.

With this client, try not to get caught up in any double talk or lip service they throw your way. By sticking to your pricing guide, and knowing when to say no; will sort out the deadbeats from the premium clients. Stay professional and don’t make exceptions.

2. The Too Busy to Breathe

On the Surface:

Frantic and high paced, The Too Busy to Breathe is a go-getter. This client is over worked and looking for someone to complete a project for them within a fairly quick time frame. This client may even be another designer looking to outsource a project that they don’t want to pass up the paycheck on.

Common Phrases:

• “I’d finish this but my other client has a rush and it’s a higher priority.”
• “Do you think this project can be completed next week?”

What’s the Pay?

They will pay you but, only after dragging you through design hell and back.

The Ugly Truth:

This client doesn’t value your time. They are up to their eyeballs in work and haven’t had a day off since before Apple released the iPhone. Most of the time with this client, they are disorganized. This means that emails may get overlooked and work may have to be reworked. This client may even be another designer, which will only add to the headache. Not only will you have to work twice as hard to complete this within their time frame, you may have to give up your personal work flow and design style.

The Strategy:

Avoid this client if at all possible. If you are already in this situation; power through it, remain positive, and focused. Until this project is completed try to devote as much time as possible to finishing this project.

3. The Picky Pickerson.

On the Surface:

Attention to detail is at the top of The Picky Pickerson’s GTD list. This client may not have a specific time frame in mind with the project you are doing for them but they sure have a vision. The Picky Pickerson will come off as being creative, inspiring, and very attentive to the project. Like the deadbeat client before, this client may be a designer too.

Common Phrases:

• “Could you do this again but in green?”
• “Did you get my email?”
• “I really would like for this project to turn out like I have it envisioned.”
  

What’s the Pay?

Like the client before, they will pay you.They may haggle about the price and count the money several times before paying you.

The Ugly Truth:

Two words with this client: daily emails. This client believes that their project is of the utmost priority. They believe that their two page website for their champion pedigree chihuahua “Turbo”, should take precedent over that new e-commerce site that’s paying you twice what they are.

They will want you to work extra hours without any extra compensation.This client’s best friend is scope creep. Do not give this client your home phone number!

The Strategy:

Contract. Contract. Contract. Make sure this client signs and understands your contract. Clearly detail out your working hours, turnaround time for emails, and any other details of your standard process. Since this client will pick apart every part of the design you complete for them, advise the client on how many revisions they get to make.

Make sure they feel important because besides an awesome website, your attention is all they are really after.

4. The Thrift or Late Payer

On the Surface:

The perfect client. This client is everything that the other are not. This client gives you feedback, you educate them about different aspects of design. Only one part of the process they question, money. This client just wants to make sure that you are not taking them for their money. It’s better to be weary right?

Common Phrases:

• “Why does a content management system cost so much?”
• “I am on a really tight budget.”
• “The check is in the mail.”
  

What’s the Pay?

You’ll get paid. Expect to haggle through the entire project about price, better yet expect payment about three to four months after you send a final notice.

The Ugly Truth:

This client hears prices but doesn’t see the value in those prices. The designer they were working with before only charged 1/3 of your going rate; never mind the fact they were related to the client’s girlfriend.

This client will fight tooth and nail over the price the entire length of the project. Expect to spend twice the time chasing this client for payment than what you spent actually working on the project.

The Strategy:

Make sure this client signs and understands your contract. Clearly define your payment schedule, and require a deposit. The client needs to understand the value of your services. Take the time to educate them on the time and intricacies of what design takes. Take care to not go into too much detail because that will only confuse the client. They value their barber, and their mechanic, they should value you too.

Final Thoughts

This article is by no means exhaustive, any of these clients can be combined for extra headache. Each one of these situations, can be detected and avoided or turned into a more favorable experience. Each client is different, what looks like a deadbeat client may just be a confused client who needs some guidance.

Our role as a designer is more like that of a problem-solver. By keeping cool and sticking to your contracts and principles; you’ll be able to educate the confused clients and weed out the deadbeats like a pro. So maybe one day x-ray vision will be available but until then, trust your gut and listen to the experiences of others regarding deadbeat clients.

At last we are going to show the collection of Other icon packs.These icons will be useful in designing your next Desktop,iPhone or MAC application user interface. We have sorted different type of icon packs in this roundup like animal icons, creature icons, emoticons, Food icons and a lot more. These icons are having a classy look and creative design. Please read the license usage of these icon packs carefully before using them.

1.Free vista Animal icons

These free vista animal icons are from visualpharm. Available in all sizes,Windows,MAC and PNG formats too.The icons are free for personal use and also free for commercial use.

2.Animal archigraph icons

Animal Archigraphs, is made especially for all of you animal lovers! They are animal archigraphs, or 3D animal icons. They also carry a bit of a glossy effect which really makes them shine. There are 26 icons in total. Hope you enjoy them!

3.Bearbrick Icons

Incredible work. Featured on many icon galleries.Free for personal use

4.Qee icons

Different designs, you will be sure to find more than a few that will catch your attention. They are 100% free to download.

5.Easter bunny icons

This set includes 44 cute easter icons that you can use for web and print design. Icons include: bunnies, birdies, Easter eggs, and candy bars. You can use them to spirit up your blog themes or to design your Easter postcards and invitations.

6.Zoom eyed creatures

Turbodesigner Olesia Kozlova have drawn a set of icons with the nicest goggle-eyed creatures.You are free to do whatever you want with them but be careful not to let them subdue your mind. Take this hypnotoad to start with.They have popped their eyes and are full of attention.All graphics in Download section are free to use for personal non-commercial purposes

7.Moshii world sea creatures icons

The set of impressive sea creature icons,bird and twitter icon too.The Moshii World icons set is free to use.

8.Pacman icons

Inspired from Pacman game.Another interesting fact about these icons is that the author of the set, Stanislav Smoliakov, moved to Goa (India). Most of the icons were drawn there at the coast of the Indian Ocean. As it turns out Turbomilk became a Russian-Indian company.All graphics in Download section are free to use for personal non-commercial purposes.

9.Fugly Monster icons

Unique creature design.Available in .icns .ico .hxq and png formats.Dock style.

10.Icons from iconfinder

Well designed and detailed icons.the 3D white shape as the base, that has it’s own custom perspective look.These icons are licensed under: Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 2.5 Denmark.

11.Curl finder icons

In this pack you’ll find 2 icons in different formats.These icons are for personal use only.

12.Icons for online shop

Free icons for online shop.-Status of the icons are  Shopping cart is empty, Shopping cart full, Consultation with a specialist, Photos and Video.Available in PNG format.

13.Black and Blue icons

Mac OS X application icons such as iChat, iPhoto, iTunes, Address Book, Text Edit, iCal in black and blue colors.

14.Aeon by kyo-tux

These icons are belong to Mac and Windows.All the icons are available in PNG format with 256*256 px dimension.

15.Mac dock makeover

A winter style theme, based on white, silver, and blue colors to give my dock a "chilled" look. Icons included are Dashboard Icon,Safari Icon,Finder Icon and iPhone iTunes Icon etc…It’s a collection of Dock icons.

16.CHANGHONG LT700 icons

The set of 5 icons for control panel things.Just another blue dock icon.

17.Icon pack in Mac OS X style

This set is free and intended for non-commercial usage only.Available 5 dimension.

18.Vista and XP OS icons

For vista and Xp OS . Designed using Adobe illustrator CS.

19.Leopard icon pack-updated

Revision pack of leopard icons.Added more icons in this package.And it’s already downloaded 10000+ times.

20.Umi icons full pack

A Full pack of icons for Mac OS. Glossy blue style.

21.Puck icons pack

New set of Dock icons for both PC and Mac use.Some rights reserved. This work is licensed under aCreative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.

22.Apple TV icons

23.Apple Mug Icons and Extras

24.Sticker pack

Sticker type of icons.This collection contains 20 individual sticky icons with large resources for Vista & Leopard. Two sets are available.

25.Wi-fun icons

26.Manto Emotion / Emoticons

Manto is a set of emotion icons, or emoticons, that have an array of different emotions, and they are quite interesting little emotion icons.

27.Mr.Zhong Emoticons

Unique and crazy icons.They come with faces only and also with body. Hope you like.

28.Snooker ball Emoticons

All of the Snooker Balls icons are beautifully put together and have a great glossy look to them. Cool set of glossy emoticon balls.

29.Popsicle Icons with Emotions

These are funny emoticons in funky style.

30.Lego heads

Awesome and a retro style emoticons.

31.iPhone icons roundup

Here are the  coolest roundup of  iPhone icons you will ever see in your life. They are really look great, and best of all, they are 100% free to use! Spice up the look of your iPhone with these set of awesome iPhone icons.

Iphone  roundup 2

Northstar Iphone icons

These are simply wonderful icons.There are a total of 44 awesome icons in this pack!.

CMT Iphone icons

32.SuperMario Box icon packs

Set os 5 icons inspired from SuperMario characters.Attribution (Creative Commons)

33.Acid trip – Shrroms,Monsters and Candy

They are composed of shrooms, monsters, candy, faces, weather, creepy pacman icons and more.Having the collection of Creatures,Emoticons and food icons too.

34.Fungii iconset

These icons are  designed like futuristic retro style.The fungii name comes because of the creepy end.Some rights reserved. This work is licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.

35.Wacky gamer icon set

36.Pioneer camp icons

These set are  fully related to camp items.Free for non-commercial use

37.Baggy icon set

Baggy Icon Set was designed by Paul Kadysz. Set contains 5 high quality icons in 3 different formats. Here's how the set looks like.

38.Blue retro rusted grunge  nature wonders

This blue retro rusted grunge icons natural wonders set includes a wide assortment of icons from nature.

39.Archigraphs Cars Icons

Cars Dock Icons created for free use.Now for MacOs X, and Windows Vista.Some rights reserved. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.

40.Neon light icon set

Neon icons for dark themes.Really a unique style.

41.Ipod Nano icons

A set of beautiful dock icons for MacOs X, and Windows Vista.Some rights reserved.

42.Ice cream and cake

Very delicious icons for your taste.Set of 15 icons.

43.Rave icon pack

Just another Collection of food icons.All the icons contained in this set are intended for personal desktop use ONLY. These icons MAY NOT BE REDISTRIBUTED, SOLD OR EXCHANGED FOR ANY GOODS OR SERVICES WHATSOEVER. By downloading this file you are agreeing to be bound by these terms of use.

44.Coca cola Family

Coca cola family pack available in PNG format.They look realistic and have great lighting. There are 3 different icons: diet coke, coca-cola classic, and coke zero, and you also get 3 separate icons with a bit of coke spilled around the base of the cans.

45.Mini breakfast icon (Cracked egg)

Anyone who wishes to use the icons are free to use them. with  some reservations please read this on source.

Origin and source for all icon packs:

• Icondock
• Iconshock
• Iconfinder
• Iconspedia
  
• 365icon
• Deviantart
• Dawghouse design studio
  

A big thanks for all the sources to help us to bring this Massive collection of Icon roundup including User interface icons and Social media icons :)