What can you use the application for?
ProofHQ is an on-line application that aims to ease out the otherwise very long procedures of getting documents, designs etc approved, in an organization. These tasks often consume a major chunk of time; thereby creating backlogs and ProofHQ is an attempt smooth out the way collaboration and proofing occurs in a group or team. It is of use to brands, designers, agencies and similar business houses. Though e-mails have been the order of the day in this area, but owing to some inherent weaknesses like, limits to the size of file that can be sent or inefficiency in coordination have led to the creation of ‘ProofHQ’. One can start using it by uploading the file; which is then converted into a ‘Proof’ that is web optimised and flash based. One can proof any document or file using the application, be it PDF, Photoshop, Word, JPG, TIF, PowerPoint and even zip files etc up to a size of 75 MB. These can then be shared with reviewers either by embedding the proofs in a wiki or blog or by integrating it with a project management application. Each reviewer can accept or reject the proof, comment on it, after performing the needed study.
What is the history and popularity of the application?
ProofHQ was launched in August 2008. ProofHQ is a combined effort of Mat Atkinson and Colin Angus. They have worked previously in the direction of streamlining the workflow in various organizations. The need to decrease the time and costs incurred in getting reviews on the documents culminated in the name ‘ProofHQ’.
What are the differences to other applications?
Using ProofHQ, one can easily have access to multiple versions of reviews; this in turn goes into easy comparison. Also, the user can effortlessly enable or restrict access to view the proof. A better tracking and follow-up system makes the application stand out among the similar players. Integration of ProofHQ with Basecamp (a leading collaboration and project management platform) further makes the task easier and less demanding in terms of getting the document reviewed. This is because when a proof, created by the user is added to the Basecamp; a message (containing details about the proof along with a mini-proof) is automatically generated by ProofHQ in the same Basecamp project that was selected by the user. Using the latter entity, reviewers can study the proof and comment on it. Moreover, as the user develops newer versions of the already existing proofs, messages are formed and sent to the same Basecamp members for reviewing. Alerts on not meeting the deadlines are also spread; thereby ensuring that the jobs get done on a timely basis.
How does the application look and feel to use?
Bulk of information is presented on the home page of website. However, proper organization and structuring saves one from encountering a cluttered look. The logo has ‘proofHQ’ in green and orange on a black background. An animated version is seen that displays the benefits of this application. Benefits and features are shown in a neatly structured manner. Navigation is not an issue to worry about. Besides these, one can also run movies, pasted on various pages, to know exactly the way a given operation occurs.
How does the registration process work?
The services offered by ProofHQ are available for free for those who need less than 5 proofs in a month. Those who go beyond this range can subscribe to a trial pack for 14 days, for any plan. One can cancel, upgrade or downgrade account at any time. The information requested for a subscription plan includes time zone, organization's name, Promo code (optional), administrator details. Other categories ask for first name, last name, e-mail and password. A message regarding the confirmation e-mail is displayed. Only when one opts for a paid subscription, credit card details are requested.
What does it cost to use the application?
A 14 day free trial pack is attached with every plan. After this duration, one can subscribe to the paid versions. For Enterprise clients, plans have been put under three categories, Corporate, Premium and Pro. These differ on parameters like cost per month, proofs per month, power users, storage, approval workflow etc. All these characteristics have been clearly spelt. Apart from these; four other groups are available under the names, Plus, Team, Solo and personal.
Who would you recommend the application to?
ProofHQ is of use to anybody who wishes to manage tasks more efficiently. However the application makes sense for large organizations are where such functions are needed the most. With the ability to create and send messages on an automated basis; an appreciable level of collaboration is achieved.
