Eloops is a bright, partially ajax-y application for sharing project information. It includes a calendar, project lists, task list, notes, a discussion board and file storage. Unusually, Eloops includes a basic quoting and invoicing feature.
The task management timeline looks pretty, but I'd like to be able to assign tasks to specific projects, which isn't an option, although you can have the task appear on a separate calendar. I'd also like to see some drag and drop features. The design and other ajax features make it feel like you ought to be able to adjust the timelines by dragging, for example.
Project are linked to customer for billing purposes, but you aren't able to click on a customer and see all of their projects - a real timesaver for repeat clients.
On the calendar - there doesn't seem to be a full screen calendar - unless you publish one and then plug the link into a new browser window. On the plus side, though, synchronization with Outlook is included with a couple of easy downloads. Calendar items can be sent via SMS to phones and pagers, which is nice.
Overall, I think this application is workable. It isn't quite as intuitive as I'd like. I had to click around on some things to figure out functionality, and I'm not sure a non-technical user would find it easy. However, once set up with projects, a non-tech user be able to add comments and add/change tasks fairly easily.
Pricing is so-so. The first tier gets you 10 group members, 50 SMS alerts, and 500 Mb of storage for $24.95, which I find reasonable. The price curve is steep, however, without a lot of added functionality.
I'm a little ambivalent about Eloops - I like the interface and see a lot of potential, but there is a ways to go before they seriously compete with Central Desktop. Small business may find it appealing, bigger business probably not so much. With cheaper and even free options, families and friends probably won't be attracted to this application.
