Going Virtual: Online Tools for Project Management

Project management is the methodical approach of planning, organizing, and managing resources to successfully complete specific project goals and objectives.

Web-based tools can provide a structured environment to successfully handle the needs of a highly collaborative project, such as remote access of files, document version control, task and milestone tracking, and having a centralized location for team discussion.

Project management tools should be web-based, low cost, and require no programming or advanced skills. Comparing these features, as well as many others, will help to ensure your goals are met.

Here is a summary of the three project management tools discussed in this training:

• Central Desktop: A glossy project management tool with benefits that include secure logon and easily managed tasks and documents. Cost is a limitation for projects that need large storage space.
• ProjectSpaces: Similar to Central Desktop, with the added benefit of live helpdesk support. ProjectSpaces has the key features necessary to organize a project, without the polished look of some of the other tools available.
• Basecamp: Many consistent features with the other tools reviewed, but has the ability to track time for each task. It is also able to integrate into the Highrise contact management system discussed in the Data Management lesson. Basecamp is limited by its storage capacity, which tops out at 50 GB.

Finally, when reviewing the tools available, focusing on a step-by-step process will point you in the right direction to choose the tools that fit your organization. Utilize the findings from your research, feedback from your stakeholders, and your own knowledge of your company to create a formalized action plan that will guide you through the process of identifying and implementing a new project management tool.