Asana is a team organization tool that helps users work together online. Team members can create task lists and assign items to specific coworkers or colleagues. Users can access their Asana account from any device with internet access. Milestones are shown along with a list that includes each task and who it is assigned to. Tags can be applied to show which part of the process the task belongs to. The user can view their team’s task lists and priority items easily before assigning anyone more work. Synchronization is available with Apple iCal, Google Calendar and Microsoft Outlook. The user can work with multiple groups on one account. Each group is provided with a work space that the other groups cannot access. All changes to Asana are made in real time so the user is always viewing the most recent version of their task list.
Asana was founded in 2009 by Dustin Moskovitz and Justin Rosenstein. The application has been talked about all over the web. For the most part, the application has earned rave reviews for its functionality and user friendly design. The only downside is that Asana doesn’t bring anything new or cutting edge to the team management table. Users can expect to find a laundry list of the typical features that many other team organizer applications already offer. It may be difficult to convince a team to switch from the application they are already using without additional motivation.
Asana’s only drawback is what it doesn’t offer. It doesn’t offer anything new. There are almost no differences between the application and many other practical team organizer apps. Some users may appreciate Asana because it synchronizes with iCal, Google Calendar and Outlook. This is not a new feature however it is something that not everyone offers. Other than that, the user can expect to find the typical task lists, milestones and work spaces.
Asana has a clean, professional look that manages to skirt the borders of bland and memorable. The basic design focuses on blue and white, however the menus manage to look modern. There are no flashy graphics or other visual obstacles to slow the user down. Of course there are also very few style characteristics to make Asana a unique visual experience. The application is ideal for users who want a straightforward organization app.
A new user can create an Asana account by clicking the blue “Sign Up” button in the upper, right hand corner of the homepage. A pop up box appears and asks the user to provide a name and email address. The next step advises the user to check their email inbox for a verification link. This must be accessed and clicked before the user can return and log in to their new Asana account.
Asana may not offer anything new or unique, but it certainly entices users with an affordable price. Anyone can create a new Asana account for free. There are no subscription fees and the user is not required to make any purchases. Each free account can invite up to 30 members to a work space at no cost. Users who need more than 30 people can buy the premium workspace. 30 members costs 100 dollar per month, 50 members costs 300 dollar per month, 75 members costs 550 dollar per month and 100 members costs 800 dollar per month. Users who need 100+ members need to contact Asana for pricing information.
Asana is ideal for teams of 30 people or fewer. The application lets the user create milestones with tasks that are assigned to individual team members. Users can stay on top of each team member’s work load and easily provide updates and information through the application. Users who are unhappy with their current organization app might consider Asana, although others may not find anything new to entice them to switch.