5pm

5pm is an entirely web based project management solution that is designed to effortlessly manage projects of varying complexities. 5pm displays an intuitive approach to the complicated task of project management, allowing its users to seamlessly handle users and groups across projects with minimum effort. It boasts of an interface that can be easily customized and has a stylish timeline view. It allows the user to have all the information presented before them on a single screen through its dual panel interface. The application can be used with the Google Calendar allowing importing of new user profile directly from their Gmail account. All the required contact details are included in the contact section. Before availing a paid account, the users can avail a 14 days free trial plan. As per their requirement, users can purchase plans which offer myriad features and different file storage capacity. One can even easily set security roles, export reports and apply viewing filters. The web application was launched in November 2007 by a project management software firm QG Software. It implements a host of innovative features for better and easy accomplishment of the projects. The website has generated significant interest in its target audience and is credited with a growing user base. Although a wide variety of web based project management tool are available on the Internet, 5pm has certain exclusive features that makes it rather different, even unique from its competitors. In spite of being loaded with numerous features 5pm is very easy to use essentially providing a lithe solution to the project management task. Its reporting features in general and time reporting functions can warm the heart of any project manager. Its two way e-mail integration along with RSS support and iCalendar provides an additional lenience in the project management task. Contextual menus combined with rollover hints and visual clues go a long way in increasing its appeal. At a first glance, the site appears very pleasing and alluring. Four most important features, i.e. home, tour, demo, and sign up are highlighted using dazzling red color and bold text format. Although, a single look may convince the visitor to gape on the site but except the four main options, it may be difficult to search for other options. The navigation options have scope for further refinement. In order to avail a free trial plan or to buy a paid one, the user is required to sign up with the site. The registration process starts with the unique domain name that the user wants to avail. Then, comes the submission of plan choice, name, e-mail, password, and password verification. Thus, to sign up with the 5pm is very simple and hassle free. The site does not require any credit card details for the free trial plan and no confirmation email is sent to user email address. One can create an account with the site in no time. A registered user can avail 14 days free trial plan that comes with limited file storage space. Once the trial period expires, one can choose to submit their billing information so as to continue with 5pm. The users can also select from variety of plans as per their requirement with each plan catering to an offering variable number of projects users. Further, it is very easy to file a request to cancel a paid account. 5pm provides a bunch of convenient project management utilities which can be of great interest for professionals, entrepreneurs, small business owners etc. The application specifically recommended for small business owing to its relatively moderate cost, ease of use and no requirement for any IT infrastructure.