Bug / Issue tracking software reviews

[katieG01]

Hi,

I'm looking to get some bug / issue tracking software. This would need upto a couple of hundred logins (although would probably only be used heavily by around 10-20 users).

The software would be used by clients using our tool, and would be for reporting bugs, suggesting features and for us to keep clients updated on development - the usual things.

I would like to be able to restrict some information to just internal members of staff, giving different privaledges etc, allowing some but not all clients to assign a task to a specific person, for example. I would like to set up a couple of levels of use, for us (internal) top level clients, general clients, and visitors, perhaps.

I need a web-facing application, not a desktop app. I would prefer to pay a one-off fee but would consider a subscription. A 'white-label' / 'private-label' product that would allow me to brand it as our company's tool would be fantastic - I'm not sure if such a tool exists.

I've tried to use Countersoft/Gemini but the installation is not my forte and the DB side (SQL) is causing me endless problems, and I cannot rebrand it.

Does any one have any recommendations, suggestions or advice? Much appreciated!

Kate

[rogerd]

Welcome to WebmasterWorld, katieG01. How much structure do you need in the bug tracking process? Forum software could actually provide much of what you need (for low or no cost), since it has hiearchical topic organization, flexible permissions for users and user groups, easy user administration, e-mail notification of new activity, file attachments, etc. And, of course, it's well suited to the exchange of ideas & information.

On the other hand, there aren't really project management and scheduling features in forum software, nor are there reporting features that might be useful in formal bug tracking.

Collaboration groupware like phpCollab will have some of the features you need, with stronger project management but weaker discussion features, but also lacks specific bug tracking and reporting functionality. Good luck.

[katieG01]

Thanks Roger,

I'll check that out. I was hoping to include forums in addition to a bug tracking tool - the forums for clients to discuss how they are using and integrating our product with occassional input and advice from us, and the bug tracker as an alternative to emailing bugs and feature requests to us, so that everyone can access a central point where all issues are raised and organised.

I've used Gemini for previous projects and really like the way it works, but am now just looking for something to ideally integrate my brand into - plus the setup isses Gemini was causing!

[Robin_reala]

Have you thought about Bugzilla? It's free, opensource (eg brandable) and used in some pretty heavy installations so proven stable.

[jatar_k]

we use Bugzilla and find it quite robust and customizable.

but I don't really find it easy to understand so it wouldn't be a great idea for customers.

I think you may be looking at a pair of tools phpCollab is good. If you could wrap that in with a traditional forum somehow you would be able to do everything you need.

[Oleg_Lyamin]

Greetings!

We have tested WebAsyst Issue Tracking software and found it nice. It can be used to track issue of any nature including bugs, defects, work orders, etc.

Surely it will satisfy all your conditions you have mentioned.

In our case we appreciated most of all that it is a web-based application - you have to install nothing on your PC or server.

Hope it will help you.

Oleg