What is Smartsheet
Smartsheet is a web based task and project management tool that adds to our collaboration portfolio. Using a spreadsheet as the underlying tool, you can create a list of tasks and associate attachments, discussions and links with any entry. Tasks can be displayed in list, calendar or Gantt chart views. You can share your "sheet" with anyone in the world (edit or view rights), receive change notifications, and create custom reports.
We expect to see additional capabilities in the area of project management (easy methods to establish and visualize task dependencies, for example) to surface shortly - which will greatly enhance the value of the product.
We think this may be the answer to a light weight project management tool that can give us an alternative to more complex tools like Primavera and Microsoft Project.
Smartsheet integrates with other Google applications (for example, the calendar view can be exported to google calendar and appear as a secondary calendar).
How can I access it
1. You can log in to Gmail, Gdocs, Gsites, or Gcal and locate the "more" link that appears at the top of the window - Smartsheet will be one of a growing number of choices we expect to offer as part of our collaboration offering.
2. Go ahead and click on the link and (for now), you will be offered a trial use of the product. Don't worry - we convert this to an enterprise (free) account for you as we see new customers try it. Eventually, the accounts will all be pre-populated and you will just launch the application. Since it is part of our Google Application Environment, it shares the single signon that you use to access other Google applications.
What does it Cost
This product is sponsored by the IT Division and there is no cost to a lab user. This is an IT Pilot and as part of this effort, we have contracted with the company to allow use by anyone at LBL for calendar 2010. Towards the latter part of the year, we will ask our users how valuable a tool this is and either let you subscribe individually or continue to pay for an enterprise agreement. (the cost for an individual, at academic discounts, would be less than $100/yr. in any case).
Where can I get help?
The Smartsheet Help is good. It includes video's and examples of how to use the product. After logging in click the help link in the upper part of the screen.
You will be able to watch videos on every aspect of their product. - as illustrated below.
