PlayNice.ly: Fun, fast bug tracking launches today

Posted November 9, 2010 by rob

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Today, we launch our little app out of public beta and into the big, bright world of paid-for web apps for software teams. When we started building PlayNice.ly just over a year ago, the conversations used to go something like this:

“So, what are you doing these days?”

“We’re working on a start-up!”

“Cool! What are you making?”

“A bug tracker!”

“ … Oh.”

Until they learned what we were doing differently, not many people could get themselves enthused about a bug tracking app, and honestly, I didn’t blame them. Most bug trackers are so sub-optimal that given the choice, many small teams opt to track their bugs in a Google Docs spreadsheet. Why? Because it’s lightweight, it’s web-based, it’s easily shared and it’s easy to use. Ultimately, of course, it’s still just a spreadsheet, so not massively suited to the pass-and-play style of collaborative software development. Which is why we scratched our own itch by starting PlayNice.ly.

We needed a bug tracker, so we tried out a few options and discovered that each one was more dismal than the last. We couldn’t find a single tool that was fast, fun, easy to use, and above all, fun. Did I mention fun? Bug tracking is a chore and any bug tracker that adds unnecessary layers of chores to the initial chore is, frankly, missing the point.

The bug tracker you use is important. It’s as important to your overall flow and happiness as a comfy work environment, a good supply of fresh air and sunshine and a steady stream of caffeinated beverines. This philosophy underpins everything we do in shaping PlayNice.ly and it’s the reason we keep the app focused on doing a few simple things incredibly well.

PlayNice.ly is entering what looks like a saturated market. The truth is the market is saturated - with bloated, sluggish bug trackers that do more to slow you down than speed you along. PlayNice.ly is here to change that. Start your 30-day free trial today and see the difference for yourself.