Project Management software?

[TUS 373]

I have also posted this under Computers, but it could equally fall into this category.

I was wondering if there any recommendations for good project management software, something preferably available as freeware/shareware or at least low cost?

It should be reasonably simple to use and preferably have compatability with MS Project files.

At the same time, it would also be interesting to learn from the PHs collective experience what the most populare project management software is for use by SMEs managaging a dozen or so projects and looking for critical paths etc.

TIA, Bryan

[padgett]

I've searched for free PM software before - but didn't find anything.

MS Project does what you want, but is a bit mickey mouse.

Have a look at Primavera Suretrack and Asta Powerproject.

Both a easy to get into if you know a bit about planning. (Expensive though!)

The cheapest option is MS Project - by the way, MS Project cannot easily be imported into other packages.

[rustybin]

I posted a previous thread on this a few weeks back. The view of the PH business massive cam down in favour of MS Project which I subsequently purchased and am very happy with. I am in a similar boat in terms of mnagaing multiple comaparatively simple projects and it is pretty good for that in as it gives pretty good results for a comapratively minimal input time.

Worth looking on ebay to keep costs down.

[mattd]

http://downloadsnew.pcpro.co.uk/CustomPC/Business/ProjectManagement/ProjectManagement1.html

Theres a few shareware ones there don't know if there any good tho

[D-Angle]

www.phprojekt.com

A web-based open-source solution, handy if it's to be used by multiple people at different locations.

[herbie hammer]

There is a previous thread on this - just remember that you need good project leaders for successful projects, the software is just a tool and wont deliver anything unless its used correctly - people first, software 2nd

HH.

www.verdandi.co.uk

[zeorze]

www.basecamphq.com / Basecamp maybe a bit simple for what you are after but it very slick for a web based application.

[TUS 373]

Thanks everyone for your contributions.

It does seem that there a wide variety of PM packages out there, each with something different to offer. I already have MS Project 2003, but there are others out there who I may wish to share info with but don't have it. It is for that reason that I was taking a look at what alternatives could be useful and good value at the same time. I will take a more detailed look at everyone's suggestions.

Many thanks,

Bryan

[egoboss]

TUS 373 said:

I have also posted this under Computers, but it could equally fall into this category. I was wondering if there any recommendations for good project management software, something preferably available as freeware/shareware or at least low cost? It should be reasonably simple to use and preferably have compatability with MS Project files. At the same time, it would also be interesting to learn from the PHs collective experience what the most populare project management software is for use by SMEs managaging a dozen or so projects and looking for critical paths etc. TIA, Bryan

depending upon what you exactly wish to do microsoft's visio may be worth looking at - being ms, it's not free, of course, but used in conjunction with ms project it seems pretty comprehensive.

[rustybin]

egoboss said:

depending upon what you exactly wish to do microsoft's visio may be worth looking at - being ms, it's not free, of course, but used in conjunction with ms project it seems pretty comprehensive.

To add weight to the above suggestion, you can also get a free reader for Visio documents which may help in disseminating your results to those without Project/Visio.