Project management
software can be implemented as a program that runs on
the desktop of each user. This typically gives the most
responsive and graphically-intense style of interface.
Desktop applications typically store their data in a
file, although some have the ability to collaborate
with other users (see below), or to store their data
in a central database. Even a file-based project plan
can be shared between users if it's on a networked drive,
and no two people want to access it at once. Desktop
applications can be written to run in a heterogeneous
environment of multiple operating systems, although
it's unusual.
Web-based
Project management
software can be implemented as a Web application, accessed
through an intranet or extranet using a web browser.
This has all the usual advantages and disadvantages
of web applications: Can be accessed from any type of
computer without installing software Ease of access-control
Naturally multi-user Only one software version and installation
to maintain Typically slower to respond than desktop
applications More limited graphical capability than
desktop applications Project information not available
when the user (or server) is offline. Some packages
do allow the user to "go-offline"
Personal
A personal project
management application is one used at home, typically
to manage a lifestyle or home projects. There is considerable
overlap with single user systems, although personal
project management software typically involves simpler
interfaces. See also non-specialised tools below.
Single user
A single-user system
is programmed with the assumption that only one person
will ever need to edit the project plan at once. This
may be used in small companies, or ones where only a
few people are involved in top-down project planning.
Desktop applications generally fall into this category.
Collaborative
A collaborative
system is designed to support multiple users modifying
different sections of the plan at once, for example,
updating the areas they personally are responsible for
such that those estimates get integrated into the overall
plan. Web-based tools, including extranets, generally
fall into this category, but have the limitation that
they can only be used when the user has live Internet
access. To address this limitation, client-server-based
software tools exist that provide a Rich Client that
runs on users' desktop computer and replicate project
and task information to other project team members through
a central server when users connect periodically to
the network and other tasks.
Integrated
An integrated system
combines project management or project planning, with
many other aspects of company life. For example, projects
can have bug tracking issues assigned to each project,
the list of project customers becomes a customer relationship
management module, and each person on the project plan
has their own task lists, calendars, and messaging functionality
associated with their projects. Similarly, specialised
tools like SourceForge integrate project management
software with source control (CVS) software and bug-tracking
software, so that each piece of information can be integrated
into the same system.
Non-specialised
tools
While specialised
software may be common, and heavily promoted by each
vendor, there are a vast range of other software (and
non-software) tools used to plan and schedule projects.
Calendaring software can often handle scheduling as
easily as dedicated software Spreadsheets are very versatile,
and can be used to calculate things not anticipated
by the designers.
