Project Management
Ratings and Reviews of Project Management and Collaboration Software and
Services |
Project Management and Collaboration Software and Services
Managing a big (or small) construction project? A
software development team? Document production? An ad campaign?
The building of your new business? Managing a team of any type -
especially a remote one? Then project management software/services
are a
good investment for you.
Project management software and web-based collaboration
services range from the simple to the complex and the prices for the software
and services are just as diverse. In other words, you can spend a lot or a
little based on the functionality you need and the number of folks that need to
participate in entering project updates and/or participating "intimately" in the
project.
We believe that one of the first decisions you must make if
you need project management software is whether you'll go with a web-based
service (someone else houses the project management software), or whether you'll
and your partners/customers will purchase software licenses, running the
software on each participants desktop. There are distinct advantages and
disadvantages in each scenario, but some guidelines to think about as you
explore the possibilities in project management software are:
- Project Duration - will you need the
software/service for a long period of time, or is the project a month or two
(or even six months) and then over. (And you and your team never plan to need
this type of software again!)
- Number of Participants - and we do mean
participants! Management and other folks who just need reports don't
necessarily need (or want) to run the software or access the service - they
just want the answers, so make sure that when you are determining total costs
(services or software) that only the REAL participants are figured into the
equation.
- Project Complexity - the more complex the project,
the more functionality you'll need in your software/service. Don't "lock
yourself" into a solution that won't meet your requirements in two or even six
months. Make sure you get everything you'll need NOW.
- Infrastructure - does everyone participating in the
project have a common system infrastructure? Or are some running
Windows, others Macintoshes and even more folks using Linux? If your
team doesn't have a common infrastructure - web-based services look better
than a software purchase.
- Service/Software - really dig in and spend the time
calculating the costs - and we mean ALL the costs. If you purchase a
service what are the one-time set-up fees (versus the cost to install software
on every desktop - and possibly upgrade systems that require more horsepower)?
Extra storage or functionality costs? If you need to work across
geographic borders, is the service available internationally? Do the
math versus a software purchase (make sure you "pad" the duration, every
project always takes longer than you think, or plan for!) And if you
plan to keep the software and use it on multiple projects, what are the
software upgrade and support costs?
- Service SLA's (Service Level Agreements) - if you DO
choose a service, make sure that they are willing to support you! Insist
on service level commitments for service availability, application
performance, and problem resolution. Another important area is how fast
tech support answers the phone. Are you on hold for twenty minutes
before you can even address the problem with the service provider?
Whew! Lots to think about, and we haven't even delved
into things like functionality - reporting, chart building, program
compatibility and interoperability (Project Management integration with Word
Processing, Database, Spreadsheet and email applications). So as we
describe the myriad of choices available to you the keys are:
- Cost
- Duration
- Number of Participants
- Re-usability
- Features and Functions
- Support.
However, if your customer or partners already have project
management software (or services) this is all moot anyway and you'll be using
the one they've chosen. However, let's take a look at the variety of
choices available to you as you seek to get that project and the attendant tasks
and people under control!
Some vendors offer more than one package in this
category. We'll review them in table format within that vendor's
detailed review.
Project Management and Collaboration Software and Services Review
Project Management and Collaboration Software and Services*
(Rankings - best, 5 symbols,
worst, 1 symbol)
|
Company |
Best For* |
Simple Start-Up |
Cost |
Time Savings |
Ease of Use |
Works With |
Support |
Features |
Overall Rating |
|
3f Project
Management |
ARP |
¹¹¹¹ |
$$$$ |
¹¹¹¹ |
@@@@ |
YYY |
ppp1/2 |
iii1/2 |
%%%1/2+ |
|
Ace Project
|
ARP |
¹¹¹¹ |
$$$$ |
¹¹¹¹ |
@@@@ |
YYYY1/2 |
ppp |
iii1/2 |
%%%1/2 |
|
Avolve
|
ARP |
¹¹¹1/2 |
Inc. |
¹¹¹¹
|
@@@@ |
YYYY |
ppp1/2 |
iiii |
Inc. |
|
Ballantine and
Company
|
ARP |
¹¹¹¹ |
$$$1/2 |
¹¹¹¹ |
@@@1/2 |
YYY |
pppp |
iiii |
%%%% |
|
Borland
|
ARP |
¹¹¹¹ |
$$$$ |
¹¹¹¹ |
@@@@ |
YYYY |
ppp1/2 |
iii1/2 |
%%%% |
|
Celoxis
|
ARP |
¹¹¹¹ |
$$$1/2 |
¹¹¹¹ |
@@@1/2 |
YYYY1/2 |
ppp |
iiii |
%%%1/2 |
|
Clockware
|
ARP |
¹¹¹¹ |
Inc. |
¹¹¹¹ |
@@@@ |
YYYY1/2 |
ppp1/2 |
iii1/2 |
Inc. |
|
Copper Project
|
ARP |
¹¹¹¹ |
$$$$ |
¹¹¹¹ |
@@@@ |
YYYY1/2 |
ppp |
iiii |
%%%% |
|
Dovico
|
ARP |
¹¹¹1/2 |
$$$$ |
¹¹¹¹ |
@@@1/2 |
YYY |
pppp |
iiii |
%%%1/2 |
|
Experience in
Software
|
ARP |
¹¹¹¹ |
$$$$ |
¹¹¹¹
|
@@@@ |
YYY |
pppp |
iii1/2 |
%%%% |
|
iTeamwork
|
ARP |
¹¹¹¹ |
$$$$ |
¹¹¹¹
|
@@@@ |
YYYY1/2 |
pp |
iii |
%%%1/2 |
|
Meridian Systems |
ARP |
¹¹¹1/2 |
Inc. |
¹¹¹¹
|
@@@@ |
YYY1/2 |
pppp |
iiii1/2 |
Inc. |
|
Method 123 |
ARP |
¹¹¹¹ |
$$$1/2 |
¹¹¹¹
|
@@@@ |
YYY |
ppp1/2 |
iiii |
%%%% |
|
Microsoft
|
ARP |
¹¹¹ |
$$$ |
¹¹¹¹ |
@@@ |
YYY |
pppp1/2 |
iiii1/2 |
%%%% |
|
onProject
|
ARP |
¹¹¹¹ |
$$$1/2 |
¹¹¹¹ |
@@@@ |
YYYY1/2 |
pppp |
iii1/2 |
%%%% |
|
Orbisoft
|
ARP |
¹¹¹1/2
|
$$$1/2 |
¹¹¹¹ |
@@@1/2 |
YYY |
pppp |
iii1/2+ |
%%%1/2+ |
|
Primavera
|
ARP |
¹¹¹1/2
|
Inc. |
¹¹¹¹ |
@@@1/2 |
YYY |
pppp1/2 |
iiii |
Inc. |
|
Projistics
|
ARP |
¹¹¹1/2
|
$$$ |
¹¹¹¹ |
@@@1/2 |
YY1/2 |
pppp1/2 |
iii1/2 |
%%%1/2 |
|
Same-Page
|
ARP |
¹¹¹¹
|
$$$$ |
¹¹¹¹ |
@@@@ |
YYYY1/2 |
pppp |
iiii |
%%%% |
|
TimeTiger
|
ARP |
¹¹¹¹
|
$$$$ |
¹¹¹¹ |
@@@@ |
YYY |
pppp |
iiii |
%%%% |
|
User Solutions
|
ARP |
¹¹¹¹
|
$$$$ |
¹¹¹¹ |
@@@@ |
YYY |
pppp |
iiii |
%%%% |
|
Vertabase
|
ARP |
¹¹¹¹
|
Inc. |
¹¹¹¹ |
@@@@ |
YYYY1/2 |
pp |
iii1/2 |
Inc. |
|
VIP Software
|
ARP |
¹¹¹¹
|
$$$$ |
¹¹¹¹ |
@@@@ |
YYY |
ppp |
iii+ |
%%%1/2 |
* A =
Amateur, R =
Rookie, P =
Pro
3f
Project Management
Simple Start-Up -
¹¹¹¹
3f
Project Management offers both a hosted project management service and a
non-hosted software solution. The hosted model is very simple to begin
using - no software installation - just use your browser. For the
non-hosted solution, the software installs in a straight forward manner.
Cost - $$$$
Pricing for 3f
Project Management's solutions are detailed below.
| Software |
Price |
O/S Supported |
Overview |
Features |
Compatibility |
|
3f Project 2006 |
See Table Below |
Server - Windows 2003 Web Server, 2003 Advanced Server, 2003
Standard Server, 2000 Advanced Server, 2000 Standard Server, SQL Server 2000
or MSDE 2000
Clients - Windows 98, ME, NT 4.0, 2000, XP, Microsoft
Explorer 5.50 or above |
Hosted or Non-Hosted
Project Management Software |
-
Base Module -
task list with task assignment, manual time entry, support for
customization through SDK, XML import and export, issue management,
export to excel, Adobe, RTF, Windows look and feel, email notification,
track billable and non-billable hours, Gantt diagram for planning,
adding and linking tasks, schedule multiple resources on one task
-
Optional
Approval Management Module - task approval management, general requests
approval
-
Optional Test
Management Module - integrated test management system
|
- XML,
- Excel
- Adobe Acrobat
- RTF
|
|
3f Software
Planner 2006 |
See Table Below |
Server - Windows 2003 Web Server, 2003 Advanced Server, 2003
Standard Server, 2000 Advanced Server, 2000 Standard Server, SQL Server 2000
or MSDE 2000
Clients - Windows 98, ME, NT 4.0, 2000, XP, Microsoft
Explorer 5.50 or above
|
Hosted or Non-Hosted
Project Management Software |
-
Base Module -
task list with task assignment, time attendance and time tracking,
manual time entry, project linking, support for customization through
SDK, tracking of version history, XML import and export, issue
management, export to Excel, Adobe, RTF Windows look and feel, email
notification, tracking of billable and non billable hours
-
Optional Gantt
Diagram and Planning Module - Gantt diagram to plan, add and link tasks,
schedule multiple resources on one task
-
Optional
Approval Management Module - task approval management, general requests
approval
-
Test Management
Module - integrated test management system
|
- XML,
- Excel
- Adobe Acrobat
- RTF
|
|
Self Hosted Solution |
1 License (if hosted on own Windows 2000 or 2003 Server) |
2-9 Licenses |
10-19 Licenses |
20-35 Licenses |
Site License |
|
Discount |
- |
0% |
6.70% |
11.70% |
N/A |
|
Base Module
price per user per month |
Free |
$49.00 |
$45.72 |
$43.72 |
$1,499.00 |
|
Optional Test Management Module, Price per License |
Free |
$20.00 |
$18.66 |
$17.66 |
$499.00 |
|
Optional Approval Management Module, Price per License |
Free |
$20.00 |
$18.66 |
$17.66 |
$499.00 |
|
All Modules per User Price |
Free |
$89.00 |
$83.04 |
$78.59 |
$2,497.00 |
|
Hosted Solution |
1-9 Users |
10-19 Users |
20-29 Users |
30-50 Users |
|
Discount |
0% |
6.70% |
11.70% |
N/A |
|
Base Module
price per user per month |
$15.00 |
$14.00 |
$13.25 |
$12.90 |
|
Optional Test Management Module, Price per License |
$2.00 |
$1.87 |
$1.77 |
$1.72 |
|
Optional Approval Management Module, Price per License |
$2.00 |
$1.87 |
$1.77 |
$1.72 |
|
Disk Space |
40MB/user |
40MB/user |
40MB/user |
40MB/user |
|
MS-SQL Server 2000 Database |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Optional purchase additional hard disk space |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
No long term commitment, close account any time |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Change from hosted to self hosted any time |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
SSL 128 bit security |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Setup Fee |
None |
None |
None |
None |
Time Savings -
¹¹¹¹
If
you need to manage a project and a remote team, the services and/or software
provided by 3f Project can help you get organized.
Ease of Use -
@@@@
The
web-based interface is simple and straight forward to use.
Works With -
YYY
You
need a browser, and a Windows machine.
Support -
ppp1/2
The
tech support area on the 3f Project web site includes a knowledge base and
downloads. If you need more help, you can email technical support.
For telephone support, 3f Project charges $1.00 per minute (you purchase
"points" - minimum 300, or 30 minutes) and must use the Skype VoIP service for
this function.
Features - iii1/2+
Standard project management capabilities.
One package designed especially for managing software development projects with
a remote team. Biggest plus is the software development kit offered by 3f
Project which allows you to integrate the project management function into other
business applications (like accounting, CRM, etc.).
Overall Rating
- %%%1/2+
Solid project management tools, hosted and
non-hosted (for large enterprise) with a software development kit to let you
integrate project management into other business applications.
Ace Project
Simple Start-Up -
¹¹¹¹
Ace
Project's hosted project management service is easy to install and use.
You simply log into your account, set up the project in 8-simple steps and
you're off.
Cost - $$$$
Ace Project
product and service pricing is detailed in the table below.
| Software |
Price |
O/S Supported |
Overview |
Features |
Compatibility |
|
Hosted Basic |
Free |
If you have a
browser, you're in business |
Hosted
Project Management Software |
-
SQL Server
database
-
5 projects, 5
users, 30 tasks, 50 time sheets, 25 MB storage for file attachments
-
128-bit SSL
Certificate security
-
Task management
tool - task number, summary and details, status, priority, group and type,
estimated hours to completion, percentage of completion, last
modification, creation, start and end dates, assigned user and reviewer,
file attachments
-
Project
statistics and reports
-
Gantt charts
-
Calendar
-
Employee time
sheet tracking and approval
-
Security and
access rights
-
Email
notification upon new task assignment or modification
-
File attachment
support
-
Discussion forum
-
Message center
|
|
|
Hosted Standard |
Free setup
$24.00 per month,
$240.00 per year
Additional Storage Space $10.00 per month per 1GB |
If you have a
browser, you're in business |
Hosted
Project Management Software |
-
SQL Server
database
-
15 projects, 10
users, 250 tasks, 300 time sheets, 250 MB storage for file attachments
-
128-bit SSL
Certificate security
-
Priority support
-
Task management
tool - task number, summary and details, status, priority, group and type,
estimated hours to completion, percentage of completion, last
modification, creation, start and end dates, assigned user and reviewer,
file attachments
-
Project
statistics and reports
-
Gantt charts
-
Calendar
-
Employee time
sheet tracking and approval
-
Security and
access rights
-
Email
notification upon new task assignment or modification
-
File attachment
support
-
Discussion forum
-
Message center
|
|
|
Hosted Advanced |
Free setup
$39.00 per month,
$390.00 per year
Additional Storage Space $10.00 per month per 1GB |
If you have a
browser, you're in business |
Hosted
Project Management Software |
-
SQL Server
database
-
25projects, 20
users, 250 tasks, 500 time sheets, 500 MB storage for file attachments
-
128-bit SSL
Certificate security
-
Priority support
-
Task management
tool - task number, summary and details, status, priority, group and type,
estimated hours to completion, percentage of completion, last
modification, creation, start and end dates, assigned user and reviewer,
file attachments
-
Project
statistics and reports
-
Gantt charts
-
Calendar
-
Employee time
sheet tracking and approval
-
Security and
access rights
-
Email
notification upon new task assignment or modification
-
File attachment
support
-
Discussion forum
-
Message center
|
|
|
Hosted Pro |
Free setup
$79.00 per month,
$790.00 per year
Additional Storage
Space $10.00 per month per 1GB
|
If you have a
browser, you're in business |
Hosted
Project Management Software |
-
Access
database
-
Unlimited
projects, users, tasks, time sheets, storage
-
128-bit SSL
Certificate security
-
1GB storage
space
-
Priority support
-
Customization
-
Private accoun | |
