Here is break down of the tools we use on the day to day...
Source Control.
This one is important. The source control system is a repository and
protector of the projects source code. It is critical in team development
and should be used in any project. We use
Team Foundation
Server by Microsoft. This system is a central server to ensures all of
your source code is safe, think of it as Microsoft Exchange server for software
development. Software source code is just a bunch of text files,
albiet, expensive text files. As the client, you should be concerned about the safe
keeping and access to these files.
Screen Share
Sometimes you need to look at the same thing at the same time. We mainly use
GotoMeeting by Citrix. The latest version works great and supports many
viewers at one time. Also for one on one we use
bigWebApps Helpdesk Remote Desktop Control
to perform one on one live screen shares.
Skype
Skype is the goto application for voice communications. Most of our day to
day quick communication is done via instant messenger. When we need to
talk voice, we use skype with a good headset.
Bug Tracking
We use bigWebApps HelpDesk for ticket
tracking. This tool is perfect for the job, very easy for anyone to
submit change orders into the software development cycle.
Screen Capture
Snag-it by Techsmith is our goto for screen capture. It is a very simple
tool to allow you to capture a screen, draw edits on this screen, and send them
to the developers. It saves hundreds and hundreds of typed words.
This tool does the heavy lifting for our development change orders and
requirements. I could write an book on using this application for software
development. It is non negotiable, all of our liasons must have this tool
installed.
Instant Messaging
IM is the core of our communications for quick chats. I know everyone has
an opinion on what client or network to use. We use MSN Messenger by
Microsoft. We had to standardize on one, and MSN messenger is it, we hope
this is not a problem, it is required for all project liasons.
Micajah.Common Framework
A proprietary framework developed by Micajah. It is a light weight UI layer
that sits on top of Microsoft ASP.NET. This framework allows us to get a new
application off the ground in days compared to weeks, and saves a non-calculable
amount of hours for ongoing development. The framework handles many of the
routine tasks each project must handle such as: Login/Logout, Add Users, Roles,
Groups, Menus, User Profiles, Grids/Tables, Forms, Notices Areas.
Not to toot our horn, but to toot our horn, this thing rocks. Soon we will
be releasing it as an open source project with a dedicated website.