Project management is the discipline of project planning and managing resources (e.g. people) such that a project may fulfill its objectives with certain time and cost constraints.
Project management software (PMS) is a tool which facilitates and organizes the different activities involved in project management. There are many different project management tools and techniques which we will not discuss here, however we will address the use of this software within organizations today. More specifically we will discuss the use of web-based PMS.
More and more small to medium size businesses (SMB), are making use of web-based applications such as PMS due to the many attractive benefits web-based PMS delivers.
Advantages of web-based PMS (1)
The software itself is hosted on the servers of the software-producer and access is allowed through the internet. Thus,
¨ No installation of software on company workstations is needed
¨ No need to worry about software updates as they are continuously performed by software provider directly onto servers
¨ Software can be accessed from virtually anywhere using any computer.
Most web-base software allow sharing, editing and saving files online, this can greatly helped the collaboration of employees working on the same project allowing real-time updates saved on a secure third-part server.
The cost of using such software has greatly decreased in comparison with desktop applications as most software providers provide a basic version of the software for free and have a monthly charge for more advanced and professional packages. Thus rather then spending thousands of dollars on purchasing and installing desktop software, small businesses can web-based software on monthly demand for a few much smaller value.
Disadvantages of web-based PMS (2)
The disadvantages of web-based PMS are similar to most web-based applications however, two disadvantages specific to PMS are:
¨ Many project managers are discouraged by the need to learn new software and prefer using a paper and a pen as it is easier to modify (3)
¨ Some project managers feel that the web-based PMS has decreased the personal interaction they had team members using the traditional system (4)
Other disadvantages common with all web-based applications:
¨ Security, the fear of hackers and data loss on host servers.
¨ Many applications are not available offline
¨ Providers usually provide one-size fits all packages and it may be difficult to customize according to specific needs
In conclusion the low cost of web-based PMS and the collaborative feature which it allows has pushed many SMB to make use of PMS to increase their productivity and give them a competitive edge over those who still do not use the software.
1- http://www.smartbiz.com/article/articleview/1118/1/42/
2- http://www.smartbiz.com/article/articleview/1118/2/42/
3- http://www.facilitiesnet.com/bom/article.asp?id=2563
4- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_management_software
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1 comment:
I agree that PMS software helps coordinate both the internal and external business structure that can make any small and large business run more efficiently eliminating efforts to physically bring the team together, enable all members in particular tasks to virtually communicate through a real-time system, and as well as the advantages you have mentioned above. I have used CommuniClique’s collaboration software for several months now and it has alleviated discrepancies in my group such as repetitive work and eliminates most paperwork. However, I feel secure that all my information is hosted on CommuniClilque’s server and I had not yet experience any downtime. I would definitely encourage most companies to implement some sort of project management software to increase progress and for those who want to take PMS for a run; CommuniClique is offering a 30-day free trial promotion.
-Benny
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