5 Game-Changing Project Management Tools
Posted October 1, 2009 in Productivity, Tools/Resources 48 Comments »
Project management tools and applications are incredibly valuable to web-workers. Tracking time, tasks, people, and everything else is difficult, and the right project management tool can make all of the difference.
It’s been several years since the first web-based project management software debuted, and some of the best systems have gone on to become incredibly popular (I’m looking at you, basecamp). Some newer systems, like ActiveCollab and 5pm, have also joined the party and carved out their own segment of the market.
The market is still young, however, and new software and apps are emerging at a rapid pace. This new segment of applications is we’re going to look at today and, more specifically, we’ll be looking at some project management applications that are doing things differently.
In the ongoing quest for the perfect project management system, here are five tools that are changing the game:
1. OpenGoo
OpenGoo describes themselves as an easy to use web office that’s focused on productivity, collaboration, communication, and team management. All in all, I think that’s a very good description. The OpenGoo office was created by FengOffice and the open source community, and has actually been in the market for quite some time — only recently, however, have they been gaining significant traction.
OpenGoo is a very feature-rich productivity system, and in many cases would be too much for a freelancer or solo-preneur. If you work with a number of people though, this could be a great solution.
Why This is Game-Changing: I would consider OpenGoo a game-changing productivity tool for one primary reason — it is an open source system that is both very functional and easy to use. Many open source project management systems (like ProjectPier) are difficult, lacking in features, and lacking in support. OpenGoo has been getting very regular updates, bug fixes, and new features. In addition, the system is very robust and very well styled. Overall, it is a pleasure to use and it’s free.
Visit the OpenGoo website, or try the demo.
2. SUBERNOVA
SUBERNOVA describes themselves as ‘project management for rockstar freelancers’. Their system handles many of the things that freelancers and web-workers require, such as invoicing, project management, and contact management — all of which is done can be done through a sleek web interface, and adobe AIR app, or an iPhone app. You can demo the system free for 30 days, and after that it costs only $5.99 to upgrade to the full version.
Why This is Game-Changing: SUBERNOVA is a game changer for a number of reasons. The fact that the application is available on three different platforms (web, desktop, and mobile) is a strong push towards complete integration — the industry will be heading further and further in this direction. They also fall into the category of “one app to rule them all”, similar to WorkETC below. Between these two facts, and the low cost of $5.99, I think SUBERNOVA is going to be a big player in the future.
Visit the SUBERNOVA website.
3. Projectivity
Projectivity is another open source project management system that you would download and install on your own server. They offer a combination of tools including portfolio management, project management, knowledge management, and collaboration.
Projectivity is very powerful platform with an interface that is both beautiful and easy to use. Setup is somewhat difficult if you aren’t a tech-geek, but it is certainly possible for the average freelancer with a little help here and there.
Why This is Game-Changing: Like OpenGoo, Projectivity is a game-changing piece of open-source software. Finding free software that is as mature and fully-featured as this is very difficult, and the fact that it has a great user interface and is easy to use is just icing on the cake.
Visit the Projectivity website, or try the demo.
4. WorkETC
WorkETC is a productivity tool that wants to handle your entire business in one place. They combine project management, CRM, time tracking, invoicing, and a lot more all under one roof. The software is a hosted solution with a starting cost of $29.95/month for their “freelancer” plan.
I’ve been following WorkETC for a few years now as they have developed from a complete underdog into a successful company, and I can say that the progress I’ve seen is amazing.
Why This is Game-Changing: If you’re anything like most freelancers or web-workers, you’ve probably got subscriptions to at least 3 different hosted software systems. WorkETC is a very promising company that is doing no less than going for the holy-grail of online software — the do it all application. It’s a tough goal, but after watching all of their progress I think they are well on their way.
Visit the WorkETC website.
5. Daylite
Daylite is a mac-centric productivity app that is quickly becoming very popular among designers and other freelancers. In stereotypical macintosh fashion, Daylite is very pretty and very easy to use. It is also very comprehensive in its feature set — including things like scheduling, project and task management, mail integration, and more.
Another important feature of Daylite is its mobile integration — specifically with the iPhone. For most of us, project management is not limited to the office, and so this mobile interface is a welcome addition.
Why This is Game-Changing: Daylite is a very different project management tool for two reasons, in my opinion. First, it is downloadable mac-only software. Despite all of the existing tools and software, this is one category that is rather empty. Mac-only productivity tools have almost exclusively focused on consumers, but Daylite is decidedly business oriented. The second reason that Daylite is a game changer is because of its mobile integration. We’re just starting to see mobile + desktop project management apps surface, and you can bet that this trend will be continuing into the future.
Visit the Daylite website.
What’s your opinion?
Project management is often a very personal thing for freelancers and web-workers. Some people like big systems, others like smaller ones. Some people prefer web-apps, others one-time-purchases.
What’s your opinion on these 5 apps — do you agree that they are game-changers? Are there others that you would recommend?
If you’re looking for some more information about the topic, check out this open thread to see how other freelancers are handling project management, and take a look at this list for the top 5 web-app combos for running an online business.
About the author: Mason Hipp is an entrepreneur, marketing guru, and writer. He blogs about life and business at FreelanceFolder.com and is co-author of the Book The Unlimited Freelancer. Follow him on twitter @MasonHipp
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48 Comments
dvansant
October 1st, 2009 at 5:14 pmFor technology projects, consider workspace.com. It let’s you build your own workspace and then connect it all together on a cloud platform.
Fokkin
October 1st, 2009 at 5:33 pmNice five starts :) Subernova looks good.
For web based project management suggest tools from 5PMweb – http://www.5pmweb.com
Simple, productive, easy and cheaper. A lot of great tools with intuitive interface.
Luke Jones
October 1st, 2009 at 6:37 pmI’m gutted, there aren’t many options for Windows computers, I’m looking for a piece of software that’s constantly running so I can manage everything properly.
Mason Hipp
October 1st, 2009 at 9:01 pm@Luke — Have you looked at Subernova? They have an adobe air desktop app that works well on Windows, and it synchronizes with the web-based and mobile versions of the app too.
discount
October 2nd, 2009 at 3:41 amNice Post !
I am looking more post from you.
nice work!
Arturas
October 2nd, 2009 at 4:22 amInformative post Mason, and i really believe that most of the freelancers should use one or another web based PM solution, that is easy to use but yet powerful, I suggest to take a look at our tool http://www.comindwork.com
George
October 2nd, 2009 at 4:46 amGreat List. I use Freelance Total which is kind of like WorkETC in that it does everything, but is $5 rather than $30
aimad
October 2nd, 2009 at 6:31 amI’m just now install the 1st one : OpenGoo. and after use this and others i’m answer you for the good one from this :). because i’m work with manuelly project mangamenet and don’t use any software but now i’m use openGoo .
tks
Tord
October 2nd, 2009 at 6:40 amhmm…Supernova sounds interesting. Can it be used on a windows computer? I also can’t get the “sign up” -section on the supernova page to work……is it only to be used on a Mac or something…? :)
Ben
October 2nd, 2009 at 7:16 amHi guys, we have a number of users reporting problems with the signup forms, we are also getting signups flowing in at the same time. If you have problems signing up just send an email to hello[at]subernova.com and we’ll setup an account for you in a jiffy.
FreelanceShack
October 2nd, 2009 at 11:31 amSome great names there. Design-wise Supernova looks really cool! The others do as well. Great post!
ExecutiveBrief
October 2nd, 2009 at 11:33 amInteresting list. With a myriad of options to choose from, it’s no wonder why choosing a project management tool has become such a daunting task.
Lexi Rodrigo
October 2nd, 2009 at 12:08 pmThanks, everything on this list looks intriguing. I will definitely check a few of these out.
However, I find that in general, simpler systems work better than more complicated ones. I also prefer an integrated system rather than separate ones. This is why I picked LessAccounting, since it does bookkeeping and invoicing (among others) all at the same time.
Of course, it all depends on each freelancer’s needs. Lately, my paper-and-pencil method of project management has been inadequate, especially for long-term projects. In fact, I’ve forgotten to send invoices a couple of times. Fortunately, my clients have been keeping better track and were the ones reminding me it was time for them to pay!
I hope I can find an affordable and uncomplicated solution from the list you provided.
John
October 2nd, 2009 at 12:46 pmI would also recommend Intervals for project management. It is game-changing in that it ties time tracking heavily into project management for those designers and freelancers who bill by the hour. However, it is mostly just a solid pm tool for those who just need something that works.
Erica
October 2nd, 2009 at 1:16 pmThat’s an interesting list! I like the new angle – it’s good to know there are alternatives to Basecamp and not only clones of Basecamp.
Looks like mobile version becomes a standard. Not surprisingly Basecamp doesn’t even offer a native mobile version and the third party versions are no good (there is just so much you can do with their API).
5pm recently came up with a mobile version: ( http://www.5pmweb.com/feature_mobile_edition.php). Works pretty well. Also I see the development of an AIR desktop TimeTracker – another tendency (our team uses 5pm).
The open source is also a nice addition to the market. ProjectPier was the only option for a long time. Though what works for freelancers may not work for companies (mainly because of support).
Very interesting list indeed!
Blake Urmos
October 2nd, 2009 at 11:17 pmI really didn’t give any of these a fighting chance. I spent less than 10 minutes on opengoo and projectivity and subernova trial has a flash based signup which broke Firefox on Ubuntu and Chrome on Windows XP (complete fail for my purposes).
I use SugarCRM and vTiger together. It’s a terrible solution. I’m able to manage projects and delegate tasks with SugarCRM and do the quoting/invoicing side with vTiger. SugarCRM is free and works well for multiple users to manage simple projects. vTiger is free as well and has quote/invoicing > PDF built in it’s core. I’m screwed when it comes to accounting.
OpenGoo wasn’t friendly enough for me to even consider migrating nor was projectivity. If it didn’t keep my simplistic needs satisfied for more than 10 minutes it was DoA in my book.
I am doing freelance web design right now, which means I don’t have any money. If this is the case for anyone else working solo I would recommend vTiger just for the invoicing and quoting built in.
Waqas
October 3rd, 2009 at 5:56 amI tried dotproject and opengoo 6 months ago and to be honest did not like either of them to much. Maybe opengoo has improved since then. Will give it a shot along with Projectivity
My-Project-Management-Expert.com
October 4th, 2009 at 9:39 amI’m glad things have moved on so much. When I came into the profession 13 years ago we all thought we were experts if we knew what is Microsoft project. Of now there are so many great alternatives as highlighted in this post.
I think the emphasis now has to be on developing a tool which allows project managers to understand how to manage multiple projects as well as delivering them.
Regards
Susan de Sousa
Site Editor http://www.my-project-management-expert.com
Steve Yakoban
October 4th, 2009 at 9:54 pmNice article. There’s always an issue that goes unmentioned with comprehensive programs that include invoicing: do they export to QuickBooks or Peachtree? W/o that they create a whole new area of un-productivity because you have to re-enter your accounting.
Antony Slumbers
October 5th, 2009 at 6:26 amIt is interesting how varied people’s requirements are. In our business, for example, we do not need built in accounting as we have dedicated software for this (as well as a real life Accountant). Likewise we never need to collaborate in real time on a word doc, or spreadsheet.
However, we do need to store and share images in a more structured and user friendly way than simply adding a few jpeg’s to a project, so our Glasnost21 does include a separate Image Management module. Similarly we need a ‘lite’ CMS to deal with all our contacts, but also to allow us to create and send out good looking email newsletters to customisable mailing lists. So we built that in as well as a separate Contact Management module.
I believe ‘every’ business needs some form of online collaboration tool – it’s just a case of finding the one that suits the type of business you are.
Stephen Webb
October 5th, 2009 at 12:36 pmSome very useful software choices, especially those that available cross platform availability. I have never used project management software before, but the advantages illustrated here show it could be a useful investment.
The ability of ‘SUBERNOVA’ in particular, being able to work on mobile phones and particularly the iPhone, is certainly an advantage and key selling point. Tracking your work is key to a successful business, so any tool that can illustrate clearly how close you are to meeting targets is an essential tool!
After looking at this blog I will certainly be looking into these tools and abilities closer, as an investment into these will save you money in the long run, and enable you to work more efficiently.
Fanzoo
October 6th, 2009 at 1:18 amGreat tools. Thanks a lot.
David Needham
October 6th, 2009 at 10:42 pmInteresting post, but I think there are FREE options for pretty much all of these solutions. I dunno about you guys, but it’s a hard time… I have to cut costs and if that means using different websites / software for different tasks then I’ll make that sacrifice.
That said I also have a small operation and can usually get by on the “free” versions of websites (like cashboard.com for time tracking, shoeboxed.com for receipts, freshbooks.com for invoicing, etc).
Open source solutions are also really good ideas (and should definitely be covered!) For example, openAtrium is a great installation of Drupal and works as an amazing project management, bug tracking, intranet system. Drupal in general is a great “tool” to have! When I couldn’t find a decent client management system, I quickly built my own using Drupal and a few modules.
In short, please consider posting an article with similar content but covering free options.
David Needham
http://www.enjoycreativity.com
PM Hut
October 7th, 2009 at 3:30 pmMost of the current PM tools on the market are very similar functionality wise. What you should look for is 3 things: support, pricing, and security. Make sure the price is right (for multiple users) and that he company backs up your data at least nightly. Also make sure that the company offers the security you need (such as https) when your’re connecting.
Online PM tools right now are the way to go and they have some important advantages. Make a decision, and remember, it’s easy to switch later on as they mostly support the same format (exporting/importing your data).
Nash
October 9th, 2009 at 12:48 amTake your time to assess the scope creep and then make a decision. Project managers often get pressurized into making decisions that come from the client. This then leads to the team working insane hours to deliver something that may not even be the solution to the customer’s business problem.
Nadia T
October 9th, 2009 at 5:31 amI would recommend DeskAway, got really groovy prices and I love their feature set! blog, status updates, email integration!
http://www.deskaway.com
Grace
October 12th, 2009 at 4:12 pmGreat list. I’d also include Central Desktop as a game changer. It’s like MS Sharepoint but much more affordable and easy to use.
Phil Dunn
October 12th, 2009 at 7:35 pmI’ve got separate tools for a lot of this stuff. Freshbooks for invoicing. Shoeboxed for managing expenses/receipts. Tried Batchbook but couldn’t get it to import gmail contacts very well.
If I were pressed to collaborate in real time (which is rare), I’d probably go to something free like Google Docs. But, I’m a writer, and my needs are pretty simple.. as are my clients’. Writers tend to work best in isolation.
I suppose Google Wave would be an option at some point for collaboration.
Brad
October 20th, 2009 at 2:14 pmGood article Mason. Its cool to see a post about some emerging trends and ‘game-changing’ ideas and not just a round-up of what everyone is already using.
Hopefully we’ll see some of these great ideas implemented across the board of Project Management Tools.
Lester
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Nash
October 22nd, 2009 at 2:54 amWell no one can say anything about the supernova it is really a nice gadget to have in your pocket .It has all the features which you think in your dreams.
ProjectDrive
October 27th, 2009 at 3:31 amIts good and helpful information. Project management software and tools are really important for everybody to make their work flow easy and systematic. Also people protect their important project data by it.
Tim
December 5th, 2009 at 5:48 pmI have to put in a vote for OpenGoo. I tried to install OpenAtrium and just couldn’t get it to install correctly on my server (and I’ve set up things like WordPress and Joomla and Drupal before). I expect it jsut has some bugs to be worked out?
OpenGoo worked from the start and best of all it’s FREE. What freelancer can afford an extra fee every month on top of other bills in this economy?
Matt Fenn
January 26th, 2010 at 4:13 pmGreat list of apps, For game changing apps you should take a look at Moobiz http://www.moobiz.com it’s got a great set of features for running a business online; CRM, project cost documents, invoices, accounting, project management, todos… and more.
Plus there’s only one login, one app and one price. Well worth checking out…
Paul d'Aoust
January 27th, 2010 at 3:02 amI think OpenGoo (now officially called Feng Office) is just brilliant. It’s a great time-tracking and project-management resource, which is what I use it exclusively for. If there were some sort of OS desktop integration, I’d use it for e-mail as well, as it’s a pretty ‘game-changing’ idea to be able to sort e-mails into project workspaces, so everything pertaining to a project is in the same location.
I don’t use even half of its features, but the features I do use are top-notch.
Tim
January 27th, 2010 at 11:18 amWell, that sucks! OpenGoo was free and open source. Now it has become Feng Office and a paid service just like Basecamp. The whole point of using it was that it was a free solution. If it’s not, then I think Basecamp is superior in every way.
Paul d'Aoust
January 27th, 2010 at 8:04 pm@Tim: No worries; it’s still open-source and freely downloadable. They’ve just made it harder to find because they want to make their business sustainable. Go down to the footer and click on ‘Community’. On the next page you’ll see a huge green ‘Download’ button.
I was confused about that myself.
Mateus Pinheiro
February 8th, 2010 at 1:55 pmHere in Dupla Criatividade we use Staction, from Paste, and it have changed the way we work. We’ve tested almost all the apps for project managemente, but Staction blowed up our minds. Its just have fun while you manage people, not projects.
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