Managing an online office or virtual team can be tough work. We've written extensively about such topics and have recommended the best software for virtual project management. If your team uses the popular project management service Basecamp, then you could be in for a real treat today with the addition of the Periscope Gadget to the iGoogle directory.
The Periscope Gadget allows users to control multiple Basecamp accounts from their iGoogle homepage. The gadget provides access to Basecamp activity and allows users to add and manage time entries, download files, and more. The design for the Periscope Gadget is simple and effective, with hover-over link effects to keep the interface as simple as possible without leaving out important details. On the downside, the gadget does not allow you to leave comments on an entry nor add/complete "to-do" items. It has been noted that the team behind Periscope is working hard to bring these features to users. The gadget is accessible from iGoogle, Windows desktops with Google Gadgets installed, and the iPhone for easy on-the-go access.
To allow the Periscope Gadget to access your Basecamp account read the following instructions or watch this screencast:
"1. Login to your own Basecamp account. Your URL will be something like http://yourdomain.updatelog.com/ or any of the 5 domains that 37 signals owns (updatelog.com, grouphub.com, clientsection.com, seework.com, projectpath.com) and you'll need to use the username and password that you chose when you signed up with them. 2. Click on the Account (Upgrade/Billing) tab. 3. Scroll all the way down on the new page. 4. Close to the bottom is a "Basecamp API" section. Click on the check box that is labelled "I've read and agree to the Basecamp terms of service..." -- you should actually click on the terms of service and read them. 5. Click on the button that says "Yes, please enable the Basecamp API for this account" -- wait a few seconds, and voila! You're done! Basecamp API access is enabled!"
If you think the Periscope Gadget is worth a try or if you're already using Periscope in iGoogle, let us know your thoughts on the iGoogle gadget in the comments sections.
Comments
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wow, It would a real help to outsourcing companies ...
Posted by: Social Media Marketing Blog | October 19, 2008 2:27 PM
I cant take this anymore. Information overkill!! Its bad enough I need a google notifier, twhirl, 3 browser windows (for different email accounts), apple mail (yes, for the 4th email account), skype and now periscope!?!? I liked web1.0 much better!
Posted by: Quli | October 20, 2008 1:50 AM
What's the benefit of having Periscope?
What problem does it solve?
The assumption is made everyone knows the benefits and the features.
Posted by: Engago Team | October 20, 2008 1:57 AM
Oh wow, that's actually really cool. I've been using BaseCamp for about a year now and have come to depend upon it, especially for the price.
Posted by: Christopher Ross | October 20, 2008 5:19 AM
@Engago Team
There are numerous benefits to Periscope, one of which is that it integrated more than one Basecamp account in one place. So, as a freelancer you might have one Basecamp account for your self, and one for some of the clients you have that require you to use their Basecamp account. Periscope lets you aggregate all of the latest activity from all those accounts into one place on one timeline. Otherwise, you would have to log in to all of the accounts individually and check them all to see latest activity. Check out the screencasts that show the integration here: http://blog.periscopegadget.com/category/screencasts/
As for what problem it solves? Time tracking. I use Periscope to keep track of all time for all clients. I use it to punch in, do my work, then punch out. When I'm done, I add a description to the work I've done, select the project it should be attached to, and hit submit. Basecamp does not do this.
Posted by: ivan.stegic.myopenid.com
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October 20, 2008 9:54 AM
@ivan.stegic
Thanks
You should work as the VP marketing of 37Signals
Posted by: Engago Team | October 20, 2008 2:28 PM
@engago team
lol, thanks. :)
Posted by: ivan.stegic.myopenid.com
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October 21, 2008 5:38 AM