Alternative for Jira, Trello & Co.: Worklenz 2.0 brings extended Kanban board

Version 2.0 of the open-source project management tool Worklenz has been released. The update adds recurring tasks, an extended Kanban board, user-defined fields and revised resource planning. Worklenz now also has a dark mode. Administrators can host the software directly on their own managed hardware or run it in a Docker container.

Custom columns to map real workflow

For the update to Worklenz 2.0, the developers revised the Kanban board. With the new design, they promise more intuitive task management than before. For example, user-defined columns can now be created to map the real workflow in the software. Work packages also have a description and comments for additional information and an exchange within the team. When creating projects, project managers can use standardized or specially created templates.

The software also informs previously defined employees when a task is completed. It is also possible to create subtasks. Worklenz can also be used to visualize entire projects and the workloads of individual team members. The application also has a time recording function for the various task packages and employees, which can be used to automatically generate analyses. This enables project managers to recognize the respective contributions of team members and identify potential problems.

Worklenz relies on Node.js, PostgreSQL and S3 storage

Worklenz version 2.0 includes an optional dark mode to reduce eye fatigue and improve concentration. The developers also switched from Angular to React for the front end, justifying the move with a more robust and more scalable architecture. The installation requirements for Worklenz include Node.js version 18 or higher, PostgreSQL version 15 or higher and an S3-compatible storage service such as MinIO or Azure Blob Storage. Docker and Docker Compose are also required for operation in containers.

In addition to the self-hosted version, the developers also offer a plan with hosting of the project management software for around six US dollars per user per month. There is also a limited free trial version. The project is licensed under the open source APGL 3.0 license. All information about Worklenz 2.0 can be found in the release notes. An app for mobile devices and a German localization have already been announced for upcoming releases. Most recently, OpenProject also received an update with version 15.4, which enables the automatic planning of work packages.

(sfe)