Assembla - Detailed Review
Collaboration Tools
Assembla - Product Overview
Assembla Overview
Assembla is a cloud-based software development platform that specializes in project and code management, making it an invaluable tool in the collaboration tools category.
Primary Function
Assembla’s primary function is to streamline teamwork and project management for software development teams. It provides a comprehensive suite of tools to manage projects, collaborate on code, and track progress efficiently.
Target Audience
Assembla is targeted at project-oriented businesses, particularly those in software development, online consulting firms, and companies that outsource to freelancers. It is especially useful for project managers and developers who need to coordinate multiple teams and projects effectively.
Key Features
Repositories
Repositories: Assembla offers Subversion, Git, and Mercurial repositories, ensuring a flexible and reliable code management environment with high visibility and integration capabilities. It boasts almost 100% uptime and supports branch or fork code changes, automation of manual tasks, and the creation of public websites.
Ticketing
Ticketing: The platform includes a sophisticated ticketing system for issue, bug, and task management. It features a Web 2.0-style UI with List, Agile, and Cardwall views, allowing customization, commenting, estimation, and linking codes with requirements.
Collaboration
Collaboration: Assembla enhances teamwork through wikis, message boards, file sharing, and StandUp reports. It also includes a group chat feature with video options for quick communication and clarification among team members.
Management
Management: The platform provides real-time project tracking, task reports, and performance metrics. It simplifies accounting and billing and offers personalized reports to improve task assignment and performance.
Integration
Integration: Assembla integrates with various third-party software such as GitHub, Visual Studio Team Services, and BitBucket, allowing seamless collaboration across different tools.
Conclusion
Overall, Assembla is a versatile and user-friendly platform that helps teams manage their projects efficiently, ensuring productivity and collaboration.
Assembla - User Interface and Experience
User Interface of Assembla
The user interface of Assembla, a cloud-based software development and project management platform, is generally praised for its simplicity and intuitiveness.
Ease of Use
Users find Assembla easy to use, with an interface that is straightforward and user-friendly. The platform allows for easy organization of tasks and projects, making it simple for team members to manage their workloads. For instance, users can customize the ticket view to filter and prioritize tasks, which helps in avoiding clutter and focusing on relevant information.
Intuitive Interface
The interface is described as simple and intuitive, with required fields that help in managing data and tracking bugs efficiently. This ease of use is highlighted by several reviewers who appreciate the ability to create queries, track specific issues, and receive email updates on ticket comments without a steep learning curve.
Visual Aspects and Customization
Assembla’s visual aspects are also commendable, with features like Kanban boards that allow users to visually track project progress. This visual approach makes it easier to follow Scrum processes and track the status of tasks. Additionally, users can customize notifications and set up specific configurations for tickets, which enhances the overall user experience.
Collaboration Features
The platform facilitates effective collaboration by allowing team members to share information, mention each other in tasks, and track recent activities. This helps in breaking down communication barriers and ensures that all team members, including managers, developers, and clients, can use the platform effortlessly.
Areas for Improvement
While the interface is generally praised, some users have noted a few areas that could be improved. For example, some users find the UI a bit cluttered at times, which can reduce productivity. There are also suggestions for improving the mobile platform and adding features like a “next” button to navigate through tickets numerically.
Overall User Experience
Overall, the user experience with Assembla is positive, with many users appreciating its ease of use, intuitive interface, and effective collaboration tools. However, there are some minor drawbacks, such as the need for better performance and some UI improvements, which the developers are continually addressing based on user feedback.
Assembla - Key Features and Functionality
Assembla Overview
Assembla is a comprehensive project management and version control platform that offers a range of features to facilitate collaboration, task management, and code repository management. Here are the main features and how they work:Enhanced Version Control
Assembla provides advanced version control systems, supporting both SVN (Subversion) and Git. This allows developers to manage code repositories efficiently.- SVN and Git Integration: Enables smooth workflow by supporting both SVN and Git, allowing developers to choose their preferred version control system.
- Code Compare Tool: This feature allows developers to easily review and merge changes, streamlining the code review process.
- Access Control: Fine-tuned permissions ensure that code assets are secure, with controlled access to different parts of the repository.
Agile Project Management
Assembla is designed to meet the needs of agile teams with several project management tools.- Sprint Planning: Customizable sprint boards help organize and track project development from planning to execution. This feature allows teams to plan, prioritize, and track tasks within sprints.
- Task Management: Teams can prioritize tasks, assign team members, and automate workflows. This helps in maintaining a clear overview of project tasks and deadlines.
- Time Tracking: Integrated time-tracking tools enable teams to monitor project hours, ensuring accurate tracking and reporting of time spent on tasks.
Seamless Team Collaboration
Assembla enhances collaboration through various integrated tools.- Wikis and Documentation: Teams can create centralized documentation for easy reference, ensuring all team members have access to the same information.
- Communication Tools: Built-in forums and ticket systems streamline team discussions and issue tracking. This facilitates clear and organized communication among team members.
- File Storage: Secure file storage and sharing capabilities within the platform ensure that project files are safely stored and easily accessible.
Additional Collaboration and Management Features
- Milestone Tracking: Teams can set and track milestones, helping to break down larger projects into manageable phases.
- Gantt Charts: Visual representation of project timelines using Gantt charts helps in planning and tracking project progress.
- Reporting and Analytics: Comprehensive reporting and analytics tools provide insights into project performance, helping teams make informed decisions.
- Code Review and Bug Tracking: Integrated code review and bug tracking features ensure that code quality is maintained and issues are addressed promptly.
Integration with Other Tools
Assembla can be integrated with various tools to enhance its functionality.- Integrations with Whippy AI and Stack AI: Integrating Assembla with AI-driven tools like Whippy AI or Stack AI allows for automated notifications, workflow automation, and enhanced team collaboration. These integrations streamline project management processes, automate customer notifications, and improve overall efficiency.
AI Integration
While Assembla itself does not inherently include AI-driven features, its integration with AI platforms like Whippy AI or Stack AI brings in automation and intelligence.- Automated Notifications: Integrations with AI tools enable automated notifications and updates for project progress, ensuring that team members and stakeholders are always informed.
- Workflow Automation: AI-driven workflow automation tools integrated with Assembla help in automating repetitive tasks, enhancing team collaboration, and improving productivity.
Conclusion
In summary, Assembla is a powerful tool for project management and version control, with a strong focus on collaboration and task management. While it does not have built-in AI features, its integrations with AI platforms significantly enhance its capabilities. Assembla - Performance and Accuracy
Performance
Assembla is known for its strong performance in several areas, particularly in software development and collaboration:Version Control and Code Hosting
Assembla provides enterprise-grade Git, Mercurial, and Subversion version control systems, making it a reliable platform for code hosting. It ensures a secure and scalable environment for managing source code.Task Management and Collaboration
The platform offers effective task management features, including real-time metrics, sprint planning, and centralized document storage. Users appreciate its ability to facilitate collaboration among team members spread globally.Code Review and Continuous Delivery
Assembla integrates code review and continuous delivery features, which are crucial for Agile development teams. It helps in testing, reviewing, and merging code into frequent releases, enhancing the productivity and collaboration of cloud-based teams.Accuracy
In terms of accuracy, especially when integrated with AI-driven tools, Assembla shows promising capabilities:AI-Powered Transcription and Summarization
When combined with tools like AssemblyAI, Assembla can deliver high-accuracy transcription and summarization. This is evident in the development of apps like Assembla, which use AssemblyAI’s APIs to provide near-human accuracy in speech recognition and summarization.Real-Time Insights
Assembla’s integration with AI tools can offer real-time insights and analytics, which are vital for better decision-making and swift implementation of changes in software development projects.Limitations and Areas for Improvement
Despite its strengths, there are some limitations and areas where Assembla could improve:User Interface and Experience
Some users have noted that the UI/UX of Assembla can be inconsistent, with different modules having varying levels of quality and design language. This can make the product seem less polished compared to other tools like GitHub.Cost and User Limitations
There is a cost associated with each user, which can limit the number of roles that can be provided access to the tool, making it less suitable for small or starter teams.Scrum and Sprint Management
Users have reported that the implementation of scrum and sprint management through milestones is clumsy, and the handling of workflows is outdated.Markdown Support
The lack of support for Markdown syntax in tickets is a significant oversight, as developers often prefer using Markdown for writing prose. In summary, Assembla performs well in providing a collaborative and scalable platform for software development, especially with its version control, task management, and code review features. However, it has areas for improvement, particularly in user interface consistency, cost structure, and specific feature implementations like scrum and Markdown support. Assembla - Pricing and Plans
Assembla Pricing Plans
Assembla offers several pricing plans, each with a set of features to cater to different needs and team sizes. Here is a breakdown of the main plans and their features:
Starter Plan
- Price: $12 per month
- Users: Up to 5 users
- Storage: 5GB repo storage
- Features:
- Unlimited repositories
- JIRA, Trello, and Slack integrations
- US & EU Data Center Hosting
- Version control tools (blame in WebApp, version to version diffs in WebApp, merge requests in WebApp)
- SVN Locking in WebApp
- Code Snippet Tool
- FTP and SSH Deployment Tools
- Slack and Zapier integrations
- Assembla Repo Mobile App and Assembla Tortoise SVN Desktop App
- AlphaScan
- 12×5 Support Team, Email Support, and In App Chat with a 24-hour support response time.
Enterprise Cloud Plan
- Price: $19 per month
- Users: Unlimited users
- Storage: 500 GB repo storage
- Features:
- All features from the Starter Plan
- Ticketing and Project Management
- Additional integrations (GitHub)
- Folder Permissions
- Repo Code Search
- SSH Acceleration
- Webhooks and Server-side Hooks
- Assembla Mac SVN App
- SAML 2.0 and Google oAuth for Authentication
- User Activity Audit Reports and Backup Success/Failure Audit Reports
- Self-managed Amazon S3 backups
- Phone Support and Ticket Tracking Portal with a 12-hour support response time.
Perforce Cloud Plan
- Price: $52.25 per user per month (12-month term)
- Features:
- Fully Managed, Custom Perforce Hosting Solutions for large teams
- This plan includes advanced features tailored for large-scale teams and enterprises, but specific details are not listed in the basic plan descriptions. It is known to include comprehensive version control and project management tools.
Custom Enterprise Plans
- Price: Custom pricing
- Features:
- Both Subversion Enterprise and Perforce Enterprise plans offer custom pricing based on the customer’s specific needs.
- These plans typically include fully managed, custom hosting solutions with additional infrastructure and enterprise fees.
Free Trial
- Assembla offers a free trial for users to test the software before committing to a plan.
It is important to note that the pricing and features can vary slightly depending on the source, but the above outline provides a comprehensive view of the main plans and their associated features. For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, it is recommended to visit Assembla’s official pricing page or contact their sales team directly.
Assembla - Integration and Compatibility
Integration with Other Tools
Assembla integrates seamlessly with various version control systems, including Git, SVN, and Perforce. This integration allows users to manage their code repositories within a single platform, reducing the need to switch between multiple tools.GitHub and Visual Studio Team Services
Assembla can integrate with these popular development tools, enabling users to unify their project management and version control processes.Whippy AI
Assembla can be integrated with Whippy AI’s workflow automation tool to automate project notifications, streamline task management, and enhance team collaboration. This integration leverages Whippy AI’s API to bring together Assembla’s project management capabilities with Whippy AI’s communication and automation features.Compatibility Across Platforms and Devices
Assembla is highly compatible across different platforms and devices:Cloud Deployment
Assembla offers both public cloud and managed private cloud options, allowing organizations to choose the deployment method that best suits their needs. This flexibility ensures that the platform can be accessed from any device with an internet connection.Multi-Repository Support
Assembla supports multiple version control systems (Git, SVN, Perforce), making it a versatile tool for teams using different repositories. This support helps in reducing tool sprawl and cognitive load associated with switching between different version control systems.Project Management Tools
Assembla integrates project management tools directly with SVN repositories, allowing users to plan, track progress, and collaborate on projects within a single platform. This integration is accessible on various devices, ensuring consistent project management across the team.Seamless Collaboration
Assembla enhances team collaboration by providing features such as task management, team collaboration, and agile project management. It facilitates efficient code review, discussion threads, and real-time updates on project activities, making it easier for team members to work together effectively regardless of their location or device. In summary, Assembla’s integration with various tools and its compatibility across different platforms and devices make it a comprehensive solution for software development teams, ensuring streamlined project management and enhanced collaboration. Assembla - Customer Support and Resources
Assembla Customer Support Overview
Assembla offers a comprehensive range of customer support options and additional resources to ensure users can efficiently manage their workflows and resolve issues promptly.Support Packages
Assembla provides two main support packages: Standard Support and Premium Support.Standard Support
This package includes essential support features such as general review of issues, access to the Help Center, a Dedicated Customer Success Team, phone support, screensharing sessions, priority email support, and priority bug review and updates. Support is available 12 hours a day, 5 days a week.Premium Support
For users requiring more urgent and advanced support, the Premium Support package offers all the features of Standard Support plus additional benefits. These include 24×5 support hours, quarterly roadmap reviews with the Product team, and feature requests prioritized for the roadmap. Additionally, Premium Support subscribers get three months of Travis CI for free.Support Features
Both support packages include several key features to ensure seamless support:General Review of Issues
The support team reviews any issue, whether it’s a complex technical challenge or an everyday query.Access to Help Center
Users have access to a comprehensive library of articles, guides, and FAQs to help them find solutions on their own.Dedicated Customer Success Team
Experts are available to provide personalized assistance and proactive solutions.Phone Support & Screen Share Sessions
Immediate human assistance is available for complex issues.Priority Email Support
Urgent queries are given precedence to ensure quick resolutions.Priority Bug Review and Updates
Critical issues are addressed quickly with dedicated updates.Additional Resources
Assembla also offers several tools and resources to enhance user experience:Support Tool for External Users
This tool allows non-team members to submit support tickets via email or the web, enabling customers to track tickets and leave comments without needing an Assembla account.Help Center
A comprehensive resource with articles, guides, and FAQs that users can access anytime to find solutions to common issues.Quarterly Product Roadmap Review
Users can stay informed about upcoming features and align their plans with Assembla’s roadmap through regular reviews with the Product team.Feature Requests
Users can submit feature requests, which are prioritized for development, ensuring that the product evolves based on user feedback.Integration with Other Tools
Assembla supports integration with various version control systems like Git, SVN, and Perforce, and also offers managed hosting options in public or private clouds to reduce maintenance overhead. By providing these support options and resources, Assembla ensures that users can work efficiently without disruptions and have the support they need to succeed. Assembla - Pros and Cons
Advantages
Comprehensive Project Management
Assembla offers a wide range of tools for managing projects, including task management, issue tracking, and agile project planning with customizable sprint boards.
Version Control
It supports both Subversion (SVN) and Git, providing a robust version control system that helps in managing code repositories efficiently. Features like code compare tools and fine-tuned access control are particularly useful.
Team Collaboration
Assembla enhances team collaboration through integrated communication tools such as wikis, message boards, file sharing, and StandUp reports. This helps in centralizing project information and streamlining team discussions.
Client Engagement
The platform allows for transparent and responsive client engagement through its Workspace Portfolio feature, enabling clients to see project progress and participate in task selection and communication.
Time Tracking and Metrics
Assembla includes integrated time-tracking tools and provides various metrics and reports to assess project progress, helping teams to manage time expenditures and track project activities effectively.
User-Friendly Interface
Many users have praised Assembla for its intuitive interface, ease of use, and fast speed, making it accessible for both developers and non-technical team members.
Disadvantages
Cost
One of the significant drawbacks is the cost per user, which can limit the number of roles that can be provided access to the tool, particularly for smaller teams or startups.
User Interface Consistency
There have been complaints about the inconsistent design language and varying quality across different modules. Some features may have bugs or interface quirks, which can affect the overall user experience.
Lack of Markdown Support
The wiki syntax for tickets is non-standard and does not support Markdown, which can be frustrating for developers who are accustomed to using Markdown in other tools.
Scrum and Sprint Management
Some users have found the implementation of scrum and the handling of sprints through milestones to be clumsy and outdated, which can hinder the workflow for teams that rely heavily on these methodologies.
Pricing
The pricing of Assembla is considered high compared to other product offerings, which can be a significant factor for teams on a budget.
Overall, Assembla is a versatile platform that offers a range of project management and collaboration tools, but it also comes with some limitations, particularly in terms of cost and user interface consistency.
Assembla - Comparison with Competitors
When Comparing Assembla to Other Collaboration Tools
When comparing Assembla to other collaboration tools in the AI-driven product category, several key aspects and unique features come to the forefront.Assembla’s Unique Features
Assembla stands out for its all-in-one approach, integrating code repositories, knowledge management, and project management workflows into a single platform. Here are some of its distinctive features:Unified Platform
Assembla connects Git, SVN, or Perforce repositories, reducing context-switching and tool sprawl. It offers a singular source of truth for project management, including support for large binary files and a familiar merge request process.Project Management
Assembla allows users to plan sprints, manage milestones, and generate compliance-ready reports without the need for fragile integrations with other tools.Security and Compliance
With 18 years of operation without a security breach, Assembla is highly focused on security and compliance, continuously adopting new measures to protect user data.Customizable Metrics Dashboard
As part of its new product roadmap, Assembla is introducing a customizable metrics dashboard for project management, along with enhanced search capabilities and improved ticketing tools.Alternatives and Comparisons
Asana
Asana is a strong alternative that uses AI to prioritize tasks, automate workflows, and provide insights into project progress. It predicts potential project bottlenecks and suggests solutions to keep projects on track. Unlike Assembla, Asana is more focused on task and project management rather than integrating code repositories.Trello
Trello offers AI-driven features such as automation of repetitive tasks and smart suggestions for next steps. While Trello is excellent for visual project management using boards, it lacks the deep integration with version control systems that Assembla provides.Jira Software
Jira is another prominent alternative, particularly for agile project management. It helps manage product development and releases but does not offer the same level of integration with code repositories as Assembla. Jira’s strength lies in its detailed project tracking and issue management capabilities.Slack
Slack, while primarily a communication tool, includes AI-powered features like message prioritization and automated responses. However, it does not offer the comprehensive project management and code repository integration that Assembla does. Slack is more suited for team communication and collaboration rather than project management.Monday.com
Monday.com leverages AI for predictive analytics, automating routine tasks, and enhancing project management with smart recommendations. It visualizes project data to help teams make informed decisions quickly. Like Asana, Monday.com is more focused on general project management rather than the specific needs of code repository integration.Taskade
Taskade provides an all-in-one workspace with AI-enhanced project management, task organization, and team communication. It offers flexible project views like lists, boards, and mind maps, and its AI agents can automate various aspects of workflow management. However, Taskade lacks the deep integration with version control systems that Assembla offers, making it more suitable for general project management and collaboration.Conclusion
Assembla’s unique strength lies in its ability to merge code repositories, knowledge, and project management workflows into a single, secure, and highly performant platform. While alternatives like Asana, Trello, Jira, Slack, Monday.com, and Taskade offer powerful AI-driven features for project management and collaboration, they do not match Assembla’s comprehensive integration of code repositories and project management tools. If your primary need is a unified platform for managing both code and projects, Assembla is a strong choice. However, if you are looking for more specialized tools in task management, communication, or agile project management, the alternatives mentioned might be more suitable. Assembla - Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Assembla, along with detailed responses to each:
What is Assembla and what is it used for?
Assembla is a comprehensive project management and collaboration platform primarily designed for agile teams, especially software developers. It integrates code repositories, knowledge management, and project management workflows into a single platform, helping teams manage their projects from planning to execution more efficiently.
What are the main features of Assembla?
Assembla offers several key features:
- Enhanced Version Control: Supports SVN and Git integration, a code compare tool, and fine-tuned access control to secure code assets.
- Agile Project Management: Includes sprint planning with customizable sprint boards, task management, and integrated time-tracking tools.
- Seamless Team Collaboration: Provides wikis and documentation, communication tools like forums and tickets, and secure file storage.
Does Assembla support different version control systems?
Yes, Assembla supports multiple version control systems, including SVN, Git, and Perforce. This allows teams to connect their repositories and manage their code effectively within the platform.
How does Assembla facilitate team collaboration?
Assembla enhances team collaboration through various tools such as wikis and documentation for centralized knowledge, built-in forums and ticketing systems for communication, and secure file storage to share project files. These features help distributed teams work together more effectively.
What are the pricing options for Assembla?
Assembla offers two main pricing plans:
- Assembla Cloud: $21 per user per month, which includes full-featured SVN and Git hosting for growing teams.
- Perforce Cloud: $52.25 per user per month, which provides fully managed, custom Perforce hosting solutions for large teams. There are also custom enterprise plans available.
Does Assembla offer a free trial or a free plan?
Assembla offers a free trial, but it does not have a free plan. Users can test the platform through the free trial before committing to a paid subscription.
How does Assembla help with project management?
Assembla streamlines project management by offering tools for sprint planning, task management, and time tracking. These features help teams organize and track project development efficiently, ensuring that projects are managed from planning to execution in a unified and adaptable interface.
Is Assembla suitable for large teams?
Yes, Assembla is suitable for large teams. It offers custom enterprise plans for both Assembla Cloud and Perforce Cloud, which include fully managed hosting solutions tailored to the needs of large teams.
Does Assembla integrate with other tools and services?
Assembla is designed to reduce tool sprawl by integrating project management processes with code repositories. It supports connecting Git, SVN, or Perforce repositories and integrates these with project management workflows, minimizing the need for multiple tools.
Are there any AI-driven features in Assembla?
While the primary Assembla platform is focused on project management and version control, there is a separate context where “Assembla” is mentioned in relation to AI-driven voice transcription and summarization, but this appears to be a different application or project and not a standard feature of the main Assembla platform.
How secure is Assembla for code and project data?
Assembla provides fine-tuned access control to secure code assets, ensuring that only authorized team members can access and modify the code. Additionally, it offers secure file storage to protect project files.
Assembla - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of Assembla
Assembla is a comprehensive collaboration tool that is particularly well-suited for project-oriented businesses, especially those in software development, online consulting, and firms that outsource to freelancers.Key Features
- Task & Issue Management: Assembla helps teams efficiently organize releases, manage bugs, and streamline the development process through its task management tools. It allows for prioritizing tasks, assigning team members, and automating workflows.
- Team Collaboration: The platform offers various collaboration tools such as wikis, message boards, file sharing, and StandUp reports. These features centralize communication and help teams stay updated on project progress.
- Project Management: Assembla provides a workspace where you can manage entire projects, deliver code, tasks, and documentation. It also includes time tracking for billing and fine-tuned permission controls.
- Version Control: Assembla supports both Subversion (SVN) and Git, facilitating smooth workflow and code management. It includes a code compare tool and secure access controls.
- Client Engagement: The Assembla Portfolio feature allows for transparent and responsive client engagement, enabling clients to see project progress and interact directly with the development team.
Who Would Benefit Most
Assembla is ideal for:- Software Development Teams: Teams that need to manage code repositories, track changes, and collaborate on software projects will find Assembla’s version control and collaboration tools highly beneficial.
- Project Managers: Managers who need to coordinate multiple teams and developers will appreciate the real-time project tracking, task reports, and metrics provided by Assembla.
- Freelancers and Outsourced Teams: Freelancers and outsourced teams can use Assembla to collaborate efficiently, manage tasks, and track time expenditures for billing.
Overall Recommendation
Assembla is a strong choice for any team or business that requires comprehensive project management, collaboration, and version control. Here are some key reasons why you might consider using Assembla:- Comprehensive Toolset: Assembla offers a wide range of tools that cover almost every aspect of project management, from task management to version control and client engagement.
- Free and Affordable Plans: Assembla provides free workspaces for open-source projects and a 15-day free trial for group projects, making it accessible to a variety of users.
- Client Transparency: The platform enhances client relationships by providing visibility into project processes, which can lead to more satisfied and engaged clients.