Gemini is a software application written in .NET for managing software projects, including an error tracking system . Developed by CounterSoft . Gemini can be used both for classic project management and in the framework of Agile and Scrum methodologies [1] .
Gemini | |
---|---|
technological roadmap in Gemini 3.6 | |
Type of | project management |
Developer | Countersoft |
operating system | Windows |
Interface languages | English |
First edition | 2003 |
Latest version | 3.6 ( December 22, 2009 ) |
License | commercial license , free license for 10 users |
Site | geminiplatform.com |
Content
History
The first version of Gemini was created in 2003 [2] . After creating the developer’s website, a free version of the program was available for internal use with the possibility of installation on one site and a limit of 10 users [3] .
Official notifications about the release of new versions of the program began to appear on the company’s forums since 2006 (version 2.0.2) [4] , and in 2008 news became available on the company's official website [5] .
On April 30, 2006, along with the web application , a Windows application was released - Gemini Desktop [6] . On April 8, 2007, a new version of Gemini 2.1.1 was released with support for the Russian language [7] . On February 2, 2009, TechSmith SnagIt and MSN Messenger support was added to Gemini [8] .
December 22, 2009 released a new version of Gemini 3.6 with an improved interface, dynamic task filters, improved reports, the ability to create tasks by mail and other improvements [9] .
Awards
On May 13, 2009, Gemini was awarded the "Members Choice" award in the nomination "Software for Project Management" ( (Eng.) Software Project Management ). The competition was established by one of the world's largest developer communities The Code Project , and the award is awarded for the best software products and development tools [10] .
Gemini Features
Main features
The main features of Gemini are [11] :
- ASP.NET web application
- integration with SQL Server database server
- working time tracking
- integration with version control systems ,
- customizable email notification templates
- support for additional fields
- personal task filters,
- web services
- automatic generation of technological roadmaps and change logs,
- customizable task types and priorities
- management of access rights for unregistered users,
- flexible reporting system
- connection between the tasks within the project,
- unicode support.
Other functionality
In addition to the basic functionality, Gemini provides a wide range of additional functions, among which [12] :
- tracking of any activities within projects,
- visual information about the status of the project,
- system settings for individual projects and individual users,
- technical support ,
- release management,
- interactive Gantt charts ,
- availability of web applications and programs for Windows
- the ability to work offline with the subsequent data synchronization,
- setting security parameters and user rights,
- setting the sequence of actions ( (English) workflow ),
- managing calendars and schedules
- grouping of projects, components and tasks,
- email and RSS notifications
- automatic creation of tasks based on received letters (integration with POP3 ),
- detailed information on the tasks performed,
- audit and change history
- reports, charts and search filters ,
- managing folders and documents
- voting to prioritize tasks,
- support of attached files for tasks and comments,
- localization (16 languages),
- import and export with support for Excel and CSV files,
- access to the source code of the program,
- API for working with web services .
Integration and additions
In addition to the main and additional functionality, there are a number of additional products that expand the capabilities of the system [12] :
- desktop application Gemini Desktop to work offline,
- integration with Microsoft Visual Studio ,
- integration with the calendar and tasks of Microsoft Outlook ,
- Gemini TimeTracker floating panel for accurate recording of time spent
- Windows service Gemini Scheduler , for sending reminders and creating tasks based on incoming email messages,
- API for reading and writing data using web services
- integration with MSN Messenger .
Licensing
There are several types of free and commercial licenses for Gemini [12] .
Free license
The free version of the program has a limit on the number of users (not more than three) and installations (one-time installation on one site). In addition, users of the free version do not have access to updates and the source code of the program, and also cannot use technical support.
Commercial License
The free version can be converted to a fully functional paid one with the help of a purchased commercial license key. There are several different products:
- commercial license
- commercial license with the installation service of the program,
- commercial license with source code
- commercial license with source code and software installation service,
- Gemini installation on the hosting of the manufacturer.
Other licenses
CounterSoft provides special types of licenses for free software projects , non-profit and academic organizations [11] .
Demo version
If necessary, try out the capabilities of the system with no restrictions on the number of users; you can submit a request on the program website and get a trial license for 45 days. In addition, a demo version of Gemini is available online [13] .
Criticism
One of the main drawbacks of the system is its complexity. In particular, there is no quick way to add a task, the separation of tasks into components is not well thought out. In addition, there are certain flaws in the system interface [14] .
Also, potential users of the system recognize the lack of documentation and reviews of Gemini, which makes it impossible to switch to using this system [15] .
Notes
- ↑ Gemini Project Management Software (English) . CounterSoft. - Product page on the official website of the developer. Archived April 13, 2012.
- ↑ About Us . CounterSoft. - Page "About the company" on the developer's site. Archived April 13, 2012.
- ↑ Simple and effective issue tracking ... (English) . web.archive.org. - A snapshot of the official website of the developer from April 1, 2004. Archived on April 1, 2004.
- ↑ CounterSoft announcements and news (English) (unavailable link) . CounterSoft User Forums. Archived August 14, 2007.
- ↑ News (English) . CounterSoft. - News on the website of the developer. Archived April 13, 2012.
- ↑ Gemini Desktop v1.0 released (English) (inaccessible link) . CounterSoft User Forums (April 30, 2006). - Press release on the release of the first version of the Gemini Desktop application. Archived September 1, 2006.
- ↑ Gemini in Russian! (English) (inaccessible link) . CounterSoft User Forums (April 8, 2007). - Press release on the release of the Russian version of Gemini. Archived July 3, 2008.
- ↑ Snagit & MSN Integration (English) . CounterSoft User Forums (February 2, 2009). - Integration with Snagit and MSN. Archived April 13, 2012.
- ↑ Gemini Issue Tracker 3.6 Shipped! (eng.) . CounterSoft (December 22, 2009). Archived April 13, 2012.
- Cho↑ The Code Code Members анг анг The Code Project (May 19, 2009). Archived April 13, 2012.
- ↑ 1 2 Gemini User Guide ( PDF ) (English)
- ↑ 1 2 3 Gemini Project Management Software (English) . CounterSoft. - Description Gemini on the website of the manufacturer. Archived April 13, 2012.
- ↑ Live Demo (English) . - Demo version of Gemini. Archived April 13, 2012.
- ↑ Corey Trager. BugTracker .NET versus CounterSoft Gemini (English) . Bug Tracker Blog (October 23, 2007). Archived April 13, 2012.
- ↑ Axosoft OnTime vs Countersoft Gemini (English) . stackoverflow.com (May 20, 2009). Archived April 13, 2012.