To: Eliza Whitton

From: Griffin Scott, Intern

Date: 1/26/20

Subject: App recommendation for Hold-Tight

Hold-Tight has provided new equipment to their employees. However, employee are struggling to use
the new equipment. In order to reduce the need of face-to-face meetings and improve productivity,
I suggest Hold-Tight start using Zoho Projects. I compared Zoho Projects to BaseCamp 3. I considered
their communication potentials, productivity tools, costs and user-friendliness.

Communication

Both program’s goals are to improve communication in the workplace. BaseCamp 3’s approach is a
message board system and community feed (See Figure 1). This approach is fine, but Zoho Projects is
more effective. A chatroom system and a contacts list based on email addresses makes sending
messages quick and simple (See Figure 2). BaseCamp 3 lacks chat logging, but not Zoho Projects.
Critically, BaseCamp 3 divides private messages into a separate system. This can create confusion for
the user. Beyond messaging, Zoho Projects provides additional features. Each project in Zoho Projects
also has a task calendar. This shows exactly what one’s tasks are, all in one spot. BaseCamp 3,
meanwhile, requires a drop-down menu to access the calendar. These features make Zoho Projects a
more effective platform than BaseCamp 3.

Figure 2: Zoho Projects Chat System

Figure 1: BaseCamp 3 Message Board

Productivity

Both BaseCamp 3 and Zoho Projects are designed to replace traditional email. Zoho Projects is better
designed to boost productivity. Zoho Projects has tools like Gantt charts and Kaban boards (See
Figure 3). BaseCamp 3 has a check-in so users can self-report their work. Zoho Projects has their tools
in a clearly defined area. BaseCamp 3 lacks a search and filter function. Zoho Projects has clear and
logical areas for information. BaseCamp 3, meanwhile, scatters information throughout the project.
Zoho Projects has mild gamification elements, pushing employees to achieve. BaseCamp 3 hides its
employee response system. Zoho Projects has both time-sheet and issue ticketing. BaseCamp 3 does
not.

Figure 3: Zoho Projects Gantt Chart System

Cost

In terms of price, BaseCamp 3 is a great deal. The flat rate of $1,188 per year is cheap, with no user
cap. As Hold-Tight has 120 employees, Zoho Projects prices are high. Zoho’s Express package would
cost $3720 per year, assuming only 120 users. For Zoho Projects, each user costs an additional $60 per
month. Given Express is three times as expensive, this is a large investment. While Zoho has more
features than BaseCamp 3, you are paying more for each feature. BaseCamp 3 is the cheaper option by
far.

User Friendliness

To convince employees to use their devices, user-friendliness is required. A clean interface, logical
layout and simple design is necessary for Hold-Tight employees to use the app. Zoho Project’s user-
friendliness is immense. A single hotkey brings up the chat system. Employees can customize the
highly effective user interface. Industry standard apps can be easily integrated into Zoho Projects. Zoho
Projects shows the progress of each task. Progress can be seen at a glance of the colorful charts. Email
can be used as an emergency backup with the app. Zoho Project also had a live chat function for instant
user support. The home page in Figure 4 shows Zoho Project’s critical features. BaseCamp 3 has little
in comparison.
Figure 4: Zoho Projects Home Page

Conclusion

Using the criteria I have established, I believe Hold-Tight should implement Zoho Projects. While
the price difference is high, Zoho Projects has enough features to offset this fact. An issue ticket system
allows faster responses than through email. A time-sheet system would remove an additional system
from our program. The chat system, additionally, is instantly accessible anywhere in the app. I believe
Zoho Projects is worth the premium. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.