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Web Interface
All access to the OPT is via a Web interface, which means it can be used
from any Internet-enabled computer, including Windows, Macintosh or UNIX.
The data is stored in a SQL database, making it easy to share with other
applications if required.
Document Archive
The document archive provides a place to upload documents onto the Web
server, which can then be downloaded easily by other people assigned to the
project. Documents can be stored in their native format (such as Word, Word
Perfect, Star Office, etc.) or converted to PDF or HTML for easier access.
Every time a new document is uploaded, each other member of the project team
(including the customer) is automatically notified via e-mail, making
business communication much easier, even across different time zones.
E-mail Archives
The e-mail archive automatically stores all messages, which are CC'ed to the
project repository, so they can then be retrieved by date or subject. This
makes tracking some of the informal communication much easier.
Project Tasks
The tasks module provides a list of all tasks, along with the owner, start
and end dates, and current status. Every task can also have comments added
at any time, so the customer can make comments or request feedback. (Task
status is normally updated by the project owner.)
Requests
The requests module is essentially a simple trouble ticket system, which
allows customers to create new requests, (such as changes to project tasks
or service needs), and assign them to a specific person. That person is
then informed via e-mail, and will receive regular reminders as long as the
request is open. Every time they log in, they will see a list of all open
requests.
News and Knowledge
The OPT system can also be used for announcements, which appear for all
users (or specific project groups) every time they login. There's also a
knowledge base for information, with an integrated search facility.
Newsletter
With larger projects, there is a newsletter feature, which when activated
will automatically send a collection of articles (news items) to all the
members of a team on a regular basis, or when a pre-selected number of
articles have been submitted.
Document Links
Although not intended as a document management system, the OPT is a very
friendly way of storing documents on a Web site so they can easily be
retrieved. This works well with CSO Lanifex's other product, the DMO, which
allows you to link to Web documents for the purpose of documenting computer
infrastructure.
Security
Only authorized users are granted access to information, and authorization
is performed with a user login and password, optionally over an SSL
connection, and with full session management.
Administration
The administrator will be able to easily add new companies, and for each
company add any number of persons who can see that company's projects. For
each person, there is basic
contact information including name, e-mail address and telephone numbers.
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About
Us | About CSO Group
The
Outreach Project Tool was developed by CSO Lanifex GmbH to
support communication with customers during project implementation. It has
rapidly evolved into a highly effective Web-based collaboration system,
which improves interaction between consultants and their clients, as well as
a wide range of other applications.
