Does it make sense for project managers to use something like Google Sites (Ex: http://sites.google.com/site/pmtestmeade/) to manage projects? Instead of MS Project (anything is better then MS Project) or other desktop and/or web based project tools? What is Google Sites - Google Sites is an online application that makes creating a team web site as easy as editing a document.(http://sites.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?answer=90447) For the most part it's a wiki like environment that includes gadgets like calendering, word/spreadsheet docs, photos, etc.....some benefits over PM specific systems:
- it's free (always take free with a grain of salt, if it doesn't work it could cost you a lot)
- easy, group updateable (but not pretty)
- lots of neat gadgets
- does not have PM specific functionality, like task management (which might be a good thing, use the calendar or spreadsheet)
- it's not fully under your control - what if the site is down or they go out of business (Google? - I'm assuming all other PM companies will be out of business prior to Google)
Next steps?:
- select a low risk project
- play around with Google sites (learn how the thing works)
- setup the basics like a home page, calendar and the file cabinet (for your docs)
- invite others
- see if the effort/cost + confusion + frustration > benefit
