eSolve Solutions utilizes a vast variety of tools and technology to support its virtual and physical workplace(s). Some of this technology is discussed here. For more information, please review the Internal technology Operating Procedure, which serves as a guide to assist workers or clients in knowing when to use a specific tool as well how to use and configure the tools.
1.0 vOffice (activeCollab)
The vOffice is the primary tool used by project managers, contractors, and clients, for a Project Management and general communication for the organization. It is based on
activeCollab, a commercial application with source code provided and a license to allow modifications.
For a general introduction on the use of activeCollab, click
here.
The vOffice is used for all aspects of Project Management including project discussions, concept development, time charging/tracking, problem reporting, task management and planning. The following vOffice sub-tools (modules) are available.
- Milestones - used to establish tasks and events with due dates in the project.
- Discussion - used to discuss (comment) on a project.
- Files - used to collect project files.
- Checklist - Use in more complex projects as a method to create sublists (subtasks/checklists) within milestones (tasks).
- Pages - Pages are essentially mini WIKI areas inside projects to develop and collaborate on project specific documents (See Wikis below).
2.0 WIKI
The WIKI (this tool) is an interactive collaboration area used for Process Management such as developing and documenting operating procedures, practices, training materials and general documentation. Wiki's are both open access (public, such as this one) or
restricted access for internal use only, requiring an account and password for access.
3.0 iChatAV
iChatAV is a Mac OS X client application used by eSolve for general communication between employees, contractors and potentially, with customers, including text, video and voice. Accounts are established via the AOL messenger (AIM) generally using the form eSolveNAME, where Name is the user name. Using iChatAV, 4-way video conferencing is possible over the Internet, along with general text and audio communication. This application runs on a Mac (OS X) and works best with other Macs, since it can run multiuser, but can connect with PCs running AIM for point-to-point connections (2 users only).
4.0 The Collaboratory
The Collaboratory is a free service area provided by eSolve Solutions that iwhere a community of engineers, inventors, entrepreneurs and marketers collaborate to develop ideas and design concepts. Participants network, exchange ideas, find technical expertise and ask and answer questions in a high energy, highly creative environment. The goal of the Collaboratory is to facilitate a high energy, highly creative environment that applies potentially unlimited human resources to ideas and concepts in their development phase. This is a place to provide information about your organization who may be seeking contractors. It is also a place to meet others in the business community and to submit your information to become a potential contractor for eSolve Solutions, Inc.
5.0 Other Tools
Other tools are available and in use by eSS as part of project management and other work, and these are described in the IT Use internal operating procedure in the restricted area.