What Does Redmine Look Like in 2022? The Full Review

Everyone involved in project management has probably happened to hear about a popular open-source tool called Redmine. .

Now it is time to lay all its cards on the table and review why the name of Redmine resounds all around the world.

This platform, initially conceived as a bug tracking system, has come a long way in self-development and has become a great option for project management. Now we are going to shed light only on its main functions. If you want to dig deeper, read our recent article that explains why Redmine is a great solution for both managers and IT developers.

With the help of this material, you will learn the following about Redmine:

• Features
• Interface
• Security
• Support and Community
• Pricing
• Summary: Pros and Cons

Features

It is true that in its default configuration Redmine offers a set of tools most suitable for software developers: the platform for discussing code, monitoring possible issues and handling tech maintenance. However, what makes Redmine really powerful is its plugins created by a dedicated community of passionate professionals. Each module adds another perspective to a traditional management approach, thereby transforming Redmine into an all-in-one application for managing projects of different scale.

First, Redmine is a cross-platform and cross-database system with an open code. In simple terms, it means that the application will run basically on anything, so there is no need to pre-install a particular product. It is also assumed that Redmine can be adjusted by its own users and improved by extra plugins (for example, our popular Agile plugin) as long as it is open-source. Thus, its extreme flexibility and a high degree of customization stand Redmine out from the rest of comparable project management tools.

Second, Redmine goes with in-built wikis and forums, so any team member may leave a comment and get quick feedback. This feature literally fosters an ongoing conversation, which is a key to success in any project. Not to mention, users can add notes, maintain project documentation and upload extra files. Simply put, a project storyline wrapped in an invulnerable informational shell that does not cost you a penny.

In addition, time and issue tracking are just enough to keep close tabs on your team work. Once you add a new task, there are three options to choose by default: a bug, a feature or a support request. But, of course, you are able to customize them as everything in Redmine! Prioritize, assign issues and control their realization in one place. Moreover, the progress can be tracked with the help of Gantt charts, another impressive tool incorporated in Redmine.

Interface

Probably, text-based Redmine does not correspond to common aesthetic views. But if you look at it from a different angle, it miraculously turns from an outdated application into a user-friendly product that is easy to use. There are two screens: a projects page and a personal dashboard called “my page”. Getting confused is just impossible.

By the way, do not forget about the customization possibilities. It is always up to a user how she wants to view a project. So, if a team wants something particular, like a design that matches their corporate color palette, they can modify the interface at any moment and create something really special. Or just upload some ready-made Redmine themes from the Internet. Now full disclosure: the RedmineUP team is excited to share five fully responsive Redmine themes that will certainly not leave you indifferent. Make sure you have checked them out!

Security

In terms of data confidentiality, the privacy policy, which you may find on the official website, covers it all giving you strong justification of what Redmine stores and why. The rest depends on you: unless you share the contents of a created database yourself, you have no worry about. In case you upload any add-ons, we highly recommend you read their privacy terms and conditions in order not to put at risk the information you have put into Redmine.

Another strength of open-source softwares lies in a fast-track collective process of finding possible security holes. But it is impossible to deny that Redmine cannot stop but evolve by providing regular updates concerning data safety. What is more, the system comes with a hybrid infrastructure and this ensures a stable level of performance and GDPR-compliant security despite an increasing number of connections to databases.

Overall, if it is used wisely, Redmine guarantees the highest level of data protection. So, your personal information will be placed under reliable control, rest assured.

Support and Community

We must admit that Redmine can be quite tricky to run, because it sometimes looks like a blind march. The only sources of wisdom are forums and clear yet extensive documentation. Speaking of Redmine’s wiki guidelines, they are rather substantial and brief, though it is supposed that a user has already done a research and learned some basics. Thus, get prepared to browse through more pages than you would expect.

If your problem remains unsolved, it is time to ask for help. Perhaps, the best part of using Redmine is its loyal and friendly community. Redminers are those pros who have stuck by the platform for several years. They are ready to help and navigate you through the world of Redmine via numerous forums. The only problem is that you have to be patient searching for the answers, since there is an endless number of open discussions.

Luckily, if you are in search of professional help, there is always an option to buy Redmine’s cloud hosting with a personal assistant who will be in touch with you 24/7.

Pricing

Many users claim that the main Redmine’s benefit is its price, or better say, the price absence. However, it is only partially true. Well, it costs money to maintain Redmine: hardware, infrastructure, Internet, electricity and, not to mention, labor expenses are inevitable to install and configure Redmine from scratch. In the long run, the costs of local hosting will certainly outweigh the initial benefits.

Of course, commercial plugins are not a necessity but a tangible advantage that can boost your team workflow. Even then, however, they will cost you much less than other tools thanks to Redmine’s free framework. Therefore, Redmine is worth considering as it is one of the cost-efficient business solutions.

Summary: Pros and Cons

Pros

• Great customization degree
• Handy interface
• Reliable security system
• Dedicated community

Cons

• Limited capacities without purchasing additional plugins
• Old-fashioned interface
• Lack of professional support
• Running costs

Redmine, as everything on earth, is not impeccable, and the system has its own merits and shortcomings. Nevertheless, there is an antidote for every poison. In this case, it is about RedmineUP, the first commercial Redmine plugins developer for more than 10 years. Impressed? Then join us!