Project Management in the Cloud

Managing a virtual team can be challenging, but project management software that is cloud based has helped make it a lot easier.  There are other tools that can also help, like a team built Wiki.  The definition of a how a Wiki is used:

are often used to create collaborative websites, to power community websites, for personal note taking, in corporate intranets, and in knowledge management systems.

Because they are dynamic, cloud based and easy to edit, it allows virtualized team members to create and share notes faster than email and colloborate on projects together.  A great resource for deploying your own Wiki can be found in the book, Managing virtual teams that Google has a complete cache of for easy reading.

Tags: Wiki
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Just over two years ago the world was introduced to the iPhone, the first phone that really made browsing the Internet and running applications not only fun, but didn’t hurt your eyes or fingers to use.  Up until then, mobile project managers relied on their laptop computers when on the go, some of the tasks they needed their laptops for were replaced with the iPhone, then touch-screen versions of the Blackberry.

About 18 months ago a new surge started, Netbooks, 7-9″ laptop computers that cost less than an iPhone and are way more portable than a laptop, they seem to bridge the gap between cell phone and laptop.  They too have limitations though.

Laptops are ideal for: Users who need to run power and memory heavy applications, commonly run on desktop computers, who require far greater storage capacities and for users who prefer full sized keyboards.  A built-in Internet access point is rarely on a Laptop and accessing the Internet is usually restricted to Wi-Fi hot spots or with the use of a Wi-Fi card and mobile internet plan.

Netbooks are ideal for: Users who primarily email and run cloud based applications on them and don’t mind a smaller keyboard.  Netbooks generally have much smaller hard drives and less powerful processors but are more then capable of running cloud applications, browsing the web and handling email.. Becoming more popular is built in data plans, so finding a hot-spot isn’t always an issue with Netbook.  Their low cost of entry is also really appealing.

Phones are ideal for: Users who are always on the go and want to take as little as possible with them.  They care more about reading email then replying and need to run specialized apps to handle their projects, mostly cloud based.

There is no solid answer on which is best for a project manager on-the-go, each has a place, and should be considered before choosing.

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The Cloud is great, but it doesn’t always have to be on the Internet.  Utilizing an network attached storage device (NAS for short), it’s possible to setup your own customized cloud at home, accessible from any computer on your intranet.

Infostor has a great article on why this is important, the summery is basically for logistical reasons and for speed, especially with large files.  One of the companies profiled in the article, and in a Tech World article is Nirvanix, focusing on bringing the cloud into a tangible setting, not just cyberspace.

If you prefer a more hands-on approach, there’s a great write-up on how to build a Drobo-Replacement based on ZFS that would be perfect to run cloud apps on.

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Travel can have it’s ups and downs, for some project managers, it’s just a fact of life.  Keeping on task, managing teams of employees and multiple projects can be taxing though, so systems are essential to keep every job moving forward.

Two of the tools that will keep you successful and far less stressed out are communication and collaboration. Utilizing cloud based project management tools makes it easier to keep track while trekking around the globe, and to keep in touch with everyone.  Some great references are:

• Managing teams remotely
• Best Cloud Computing Resources for Project Managers
• Collaboration in the Cloud

Tags: Collaboration, Communication, Travel
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Managing projects and working with cloud based systems means a constant connection to the Internet.  Always being on the move is also a byproduct of managing multiple products and the need to get on the Internet in different locations can be a necessity, one that there isn’t always room for in the budget.  Before you head off to the next location, use these sites to find free Internet access so you can be sure you’re connected.

• WiFi Free Spot
• Open WiFi Hotspots
• gWiFi
• Public IP
• Wired Free Spot

Remember, check these sites before you go, it’s hard to search a site when you don’t have an Internet connection.

Tags: Broadband, Internet, WiFi
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Because virtual teams are more likely to be under your wing than under one roof, properly managing everyone becomes critical.  Since you can’t swing into someones office to run an idea by them if they are in a different state, utilizing tools and techniques to keep everyone on time and accountable is essential.

B Wyze covers Five best practices for managing a virtual support team, pretty much essential steps to not having a daily headache. Some great downloadable PDF’s on team management at a distance can be found here, and Tech Republic has some more great tips here.

The key has to be implementation of open communication, utilizing that, along with the tips listed here and you are sure to have a smooth running team that always performs tasks on time, and proficiently.

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Since one of the major benefits of cloud computing is the ability to access and share data anywhere there is a computer and Internet connection, how useful are paper files anymore?  They serve a purpose, but if you’ve started to make the move to cloud computing, the rest should soon follow.

Added with sharing and easy access, fast search-ability is also a key reason to put paper files in the cloud.  No more looking through old drawers or wondering if something ended up in the shreder that shouldn’t have.

Lifehacker put together The Complete Guide to Going Paperless, a great step by step way to ditch the paper and utilize digital and cloud computing techniques.  Services like SnapScan can also help convert your older documents.

The added bonus to moving paper work to the cloud is not only a savings in overall office expenses, but you will be moving to a more earth friendly, green way of running things.

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Part of the concept of cloud computing is off-loading processor and memory needy applications to more powerful servers running web based applications.  The appeal is, less hardware is needed to do the same work and each application becomes drastically more scalable.  This is also provided you have an Internet connection for most apps.

Google has helped by bringing the cloud local with gears, but being online is crucial to most applications.  Compiled here is a list of sites that you can use to find free Wi-Fi spots so you can work wherever you are.

• Wi-Fi Hot Spot List
• Wi-Fi Free Spot
• Open Wi-Fi Spots

Each of them operates based on user input, so no one is better than the other.  Because users are responsible for posting the location, connection speed and review, it’s impossible to say that when you arrive at any location, it will in fact be working properly, so cross referencing might be a good idea.  The Simple Dollar also did a round-up of ten places to find Wi-Fi in stores and restaurants that comes in really handy if you like to eat and work at the same time.

Tags: Wi-Fi
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Changing times are ahead of us, and cloud computing is leading the forefront in regards to how we utilize computers, applications and even operating systems.  New clouds seem to be popping up everywhere, but what about ones that target and fit your needs specifically?  How about your own cloud?

The time is now, and shows in a recent article on Agares Media where they cover the announcement of GroundOS. A new operating system, based totally on the cloud, and customized to your specific needs.

The so called mini cloud is actually a double negative, as Dev Central explains, a cloud is meant to be public, building a mini cloud, or private cloud, is counter productive.  It is however, of total sense to many projects that are better managed internally, say in a law office for example.

Creating the personal cloud with cloud operating system can serve certain needs, and is definitely worth exploring more.

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Staying on top of new trends, techniques and tools is all part of the game.  Cloud computing is still somewhat in it’s infancy though, so finding good resources for projects that are being launched is as important as implementing them.

Alltop has one of the best resources for aggregating cloud computing, you can easily few dozens of blogs in once glance and figure out what articles are worth reading.  Also on the list of must-read sites is Tech Republic, they are very in-tune to changing trends, new software launches and other industry news.  Lastly, if you are curious about what these new trends are, Focus has recently published their Top 10 Cloud Computing Trends, a great read to see what’s working, changing, evolving, and why.

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