• creating workflows across multiple platforms and applications
• orchestrating ITIL process inputs and outputs
• dynamic resource allocation, load balancing
• linking IT services to business requirements, business impact analysis
• dynamic thresholding, heuristic monitoring

The standard MS Office Suite is probably the most commonly used PM software. Although not a new trend, this favored position is likely to change over time.

 

Outlook

It can easily be augued that MS Outlook is the most commonly used project management software in existence today. Why? Because 90% of a project managers job is communication. And 2nd only to verbal communication, e-mail communication is the mode.

 

Excel

Visit this link to see a group of project management planning tools are done in Excel.

 

Visio

Often a tool for making Gantt charts and network diagrams, Visio is a wonderful flow-charting application. Visio takes a little time to learn, and it's primary purpose was not project management. Yet it is an absolutely great tool - and just as powerful as many of the software applications that were created specifically for project management.

 

Here is a direct quote from one of our students on Oct. 12, 2009:

"I've been obsessively laying out my project plan for next year and updating my network diagram. I even created a Gantt chart. This is incredibly helpful! I saw that I need to crunch my network diagram in order to hit specific dates when I can and can’t do things. I really love Visio, although I am still a novice. One thing that really came to light for me this weekend was that all of these tools really help ensure buy in and success. If I post the Gantt chart for my team to see for next year, it will help build teamwork and buy in to ensure we are all focused on getting this project done. I know communication and teamwork are only part of PM but for me this is so critical. It was like a light bulb went off! I am very excited to share this with my supervisors as we begin working on some larger projects in our library this fall. I anticipate I will be working more with Visio."

             - Certificate in Project Management student with Successful Projects

 

 

Word

The common choice for developing project plans, use cases, requirements gathering, and other written plans.

 

PowerPoint

The common choice for presenting information at stakeholder and team meetings.

 

Successful Projects doesn't use this software as of yet but many of our clients do. And they seem pretty happy with it. The product web site is at http://www.attask.com/.

Information coming soon.

MS Project has been, and remains to be, the most well-used project management software - although probably not the most popular. It's popular because it is intuitive for Microsoft users. It integrates well with Outlook and the other Office Suite products.  And it is a commonly used tool, so it is easy to find other users and good local training help and support.

One of the problems to watch out for is that when resource leveling, the software will reassign work and change the schedule. And there is no undo for this act.

The current individual license price is about $450. The version on the market right now is Project 2010, but  Project 2007 is still very commonly used. 

For MS Project training, we recommend Cindy Prindle, who instructs through Hawkins, Ash, and Baptie in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Use of Skype, AdobeConnect Now, and other video conferencing tools is becoming important.

This is a mindmapping software that helps to brainstorm and visualize ideas quickly. It currently sells for $389.

It is supposed to integrate with timelines, Gantt charts, and MS Office software integration for help with project planning. 

The site is here.