How do you manage your task-list/backlog? Wiki-based tools to suggest?

Question

I'm looking for a low-key tool to handle a simple ranked task list (aka backlog in the agile lingo).

This will be used by several users, and will most likely change frequently. We already have a bug tracking system, but it's a bit too complex and heavyweight for the kind of casual, day-to-day planning we'll be doing. Really, what we need is an electronic version of a paper-based flip-chart.

We're already using a Wiki (MoinMoin-based) for our general project documentation, so this seems like a natural medium for managing our task list as well. However, I'd like something a bit more user-friendly than just a text-based list. Ideally, the tool would support checking off tasks, reordering, and setting responsible persons and due dates.

One of my team-mates suggested the Outlook tasklist, but I'm under linux so it's quite cumbersome for me. Can you suggest something more convenient?

Answer 1

Did your look at Scrumworks ? It's not a wiki, but it handles the backlog items and the tasks in a satisfying manner. Plus it generates the burndown, shows the tendency for the end of the release.

There are a free version (basic) and a commercial version (Pro).

I used the free version for several months and I liked it for it does not get in the way of the team. You do not have to apply Scrum by the book, you can have iteration of whatever length you want ... One thing I missed in the basic version is the priting support, I had to use screenshots.

Answer 2

If it doesn't need to be on your own server try Backpack from 37signals. It lets multiple users edit a list, reorder, mark complete, and more. There is an even simpler tool called Ta-da Lists if you don't need all of Backpack.

Answer 3

We use a task management tool and simply add tasks with no due date and set the status to "Backlog." The software we use to do this is not wiki-based, but it is web-based and operates a lot like a traditional task management / ticketing system. It's called Intervals: http://www.myintervals.com

Answer 4

I prefer http://www.pivotaltracker.com/

It's a web-based service that keeps track of tasks that fit into this iteration and a backlog of them that are being put off for future iterations. It calculates your velocity to try to help you figure out how much will be included in your next release.