Sifter is a hosted bug and issue tracking solution that can help reduce the amount of work professionals need to do to complete these tasks. It is intended for web designers and developers. Despite its intended audience, Sifter is designed to be easy to understand so that non-technical individuals can easily use it. By being simple to use, Sifter allows better communication and makes it easier for technical professionals to get the information they need from other departments or clients. Issues can be assigned to users and users can review their issues by project. Updates are very easy to make so everyone is on the same page when reviewing an issue. Sifter also uses color coding to help users determine the priority and importance of a newly created issue at a glance.
Sifter was created by Next Update LLC in 2008. Next Update is a small software development firm that focuses on adding an element of fun to the mundane nature of work. The team focuses on quality and simplicity. The Sifter team includes founder and main designer and developer Garrett Dimon, developer Adam Keys, Director of Technology Dan Benjamin and co-founder and investor Keith Jacobs.
Sifter makes it much easier for companies to work out bugs and handle issues with their software products. The system is very streamlined and attractive to use. One of the most appealing aspects of Sifter is that, even though it is designed for developers and designers, it is easy to use by anyone. This makes some tasks more accessible to relevant individuals who may not have a technological background. It can also help close the gap that sometimes forms within companies when both tech and non-tech individuals must work together.
Sifter is very well organized, which is vital to an application like this. The user can mark priorities or list issues as open, closed or resolved using very convenient radio buttons and more. The overall design is very easy on the eyes and gives Sifter a unique character that adds personality. Sifter can get the job done, but does so without being completely bland about it.
A new user can click on the green “View Plans and Pricing” button found along the left hand side of the Sifter homepage to begin registration. Users must select one of four membership options by clicking on the corresponding blue link. The registration form requires a first and last name, email address, username, password, organization name, time zone, and desired URL.
Sifter gives users four membership types to choose from. The first is a Personal membership which costs just under $15 per month. This account includes up to three open projects and 1 GB of storage space. The Small membership costs about $30 per month and upgrades to up to 10 open projects, SSL security and up to 5 GBs of storage space. The Medium membership costs around $50 and includes up to 25 open projects and 10 GBs of storage space. The most expensive membership is the Large plan. This option costs just under $100 per month and includes up to 50 open projects and 25 GBs of file storage. Each membership includes a 30 day free trial that includes up to 50 MBs of storage space.
Sifter is a helpful tool for web developers and designers who want to find a better way to manage bug issues. The application is easy for anyone to use (even non-technical individuals). It also comes in four affordable membership plans.