Beta is over. We have added a number of features to make it to what we call version 1.0 of 550.
One of the features we are happiest to introduce is file versioning. This is the ability to upload updated versions of files already in the shared documents list and have these new files replace the existing files as the latest versions. The old version is then sent to an easily accessed history section in the file detail view where it’s out of the way.
This should help minimize the confusion over which file, in the long list of files, is the correct one, especially when there may be 5 different files with the same name and only the date differentiating them. There is also a version number associated with each file for easier discussion amongst project participants.
We’ve also changed the look of the shared documents pages. They are now organized by title or type so that they are easily scanned and can click on the triangle beside the title heading to expand the list to see the document(s). This came about because a lot people needed quick access while on the phone or during a meeting. We hope you’ll find useful.
The file versioning feature meshes with other existing features in some interesting ways so each document’s version history is limited to its workspace. That file can still roll up or down to other workspace lists, for example, but in order to make changes to it, such as replacing it with a newer version, deleting it or editing it, it is necessary, for the time being, to go back to its original workspace to work with it.
Guest User Access for bid sites is something we introduced a while ago but have really come to see the value of with continued use by our power users. This feature allows administrators to create anonymous access passes to limited parts of the site for bidding purposes though I am sure there are plenty of other great uses for it. These guest accounts can be set to expire so that admins don’t have to worry about forgetting to remove the account or that one might be left active and given to the wrong people after a particular date. Some of our users create multiple accounts, one for each type of subcontractor they want to set out bid contracts for. This way, they can control precisely what documents get seen within a specific time frame.
Photo Sessions are another great feature we have introduced. They allow you keep track of a project’s photographic progress and you can do it with one easy upload, if you choose. Just set up the session information and upload the files. It’s especially handy if you just downloaded the photos from your camera and simply want to put them up without renaming files, tagging, etc. You can even rotate misaligned images right on the site when you have time. The entire set of photos would be associated with the photo session on the centralized photo session list for easy referral and updating.
These photos can be worked with anyway you choose, as with Shared Documents, though we have not introduced file versioning with photos. We would love to hear from our user base on this matter. Is this something you think we should add? Would you use it? Do you need to keep a history of your images the way you keep a history of your drawings or documents that get revised? Let us know.
Client invoicing is now in place so that subscribers may invoice their clients for the reimbursable costs associated with managing their projects with 550. The cost and time savings will, we are sure, become apparent to all, when it is printed out in black and white at the end of each billing cycle.
The best for last: we have introduced a new pricing plan. We now have a free plan which includes a free workspace and 100 MB of storage to everyone who wishes to have it.
We are also offering a charter membership plan for a limited time. Please read about it and sign up! We’d love to have you.
There is lots more to talk about and plenty more to come but I think this is just about enough for today.
Remember, we are always interested in what you have to say. Me and my team are only ever a phone call, an email or a comment away.
Sincerely,
Zaina Ajakie
Founder/Partner
Tangentworks, LLC
