Focalboard

Focalboard is a comprehensive project management platform that combines the visual appeal of kanban boards with the flexibility of multiple view types. Developed by Mattermost, it provides teams with a powerful alternative to popular project management tools while maintaining complete control over data and deployment.

Key Features

• Multiple View Types:

  • Kanban board view for visual workflow management
  • Table view for detailed data organization
  • Calendar view for timeline and deadline tracking
  • Gallery view for visual project overview
  • Custom view configurations
  • Seamless view switching

• Comprehensive Task Management:

  • Card-based task organization
  • Custom properties and fields
  • Due date and deadline management
  • Priority level assignment
  • Progress tracking and status updates
  • Task dependencies and relationships

• Team Collaboration:

  • Shared team workspaces
  • Real-time collaborative editing
  • Comments and discussion threads
  • User permission management
  • Activity history and audit trails
  • Team member assignment

• Customization & Templates:

  • Custom board templates
  • Configurable property types
  • Workflow customization
  • Label and tag management
  • Board appearance customization
  • Reusable project templates

• Integration Capabilities:

  • Native Mattermost integration
  • Import/export functionality
  • RESTful API access
  • Third-party service connectors
  • Webhook support
  • External tool integration

• Flexible Deployment:

  • Self-hosted server deployment
  • Desktop applications for all platforms
  • Docker containerization
  • Cloud hosting options
  • Multi-platform support
  • Scalable architecture

• Advanced Features:

  • Advanced filtering and search
  • Bulk operations and editing
  • Archive and backup functionality
  • Performance analytics
  • Custom reporting
  • Data visualization

Technical Specifications

• Backend: Go
• Frontend: React, Node.js
• Deployment: Docker, Desktop apps
• License: MIT/AGPL-3.0/Apache-2.0
• Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Web
• Database: SQLite, PostgreSQL, MySQL

Use Cases

• Software Development: Agile project management and sprint planning
• Marketing Campaigns: Campaign planning and execution tracking
• Content Creation: Editorial calendars and content workflow
• Event Planning: Event organization and task coordination
• Product Management: Feature planning and roadmap management
• Team Coordination: Cross-functional team project management

Unique Advantages

• Multiple Views: Flexible visualization options for different work styles
• Trello Alternative: Enhanced features beyond basic kanban functionality
• Mattermost Integration: Seamless integration with team communication
• Self-Hosted Control: Complete data ownership and privacy
• Open Source: Transparent development and community contributions
• Enterprise Ready: Scalable for large teams and organizations

Based on the Focalboard GitHub repository, this tool provides teams with a versatile project management solution that combines the best aspects of kanban boards, databases, and calendar views, making it ideal for organizations seeking a comprehensive alternative to proprietary project management platforms.