What is project management software

Definition

Project management software is a computer application that helps initiate, plan, execute, control and close projects of any size and type. It is designed to plan and document project activities, develop schedules and timelines, address project issues and manage risks, allocate budgets and control spending, establish collaboration between project participants, assure and control quality, build project teams and manage human resources, and create reports and share information.

The importance is critical because most organizations are involved in implementing undertakings which are usually called projects. Such undertakings are diverse, and to keep ahead of rivals, organizations should continually work on improvement of their project activities, services and processes with very short time-to-market. Multiple surveys prove that if an organization wants to achieve success in developing, producing and delivering its products, the best way is to use a software application that allows combining project activities with cross-functional expertise.

History

The formal history of project management software shows records that were made in the mid-1950’s when organizations faced the need for using those tools and methods to plan and perform complex projects. At that time, there were no formal PM solutions that could help organize projects and apply specific techniques. Only initial attempts to develop such solutions were made. Managers who tried to organize complex projects felt the need for gaining special project management software education because they did not know how to actually initiate, plan, execute and close projects. There were no courses and trainings that could teach managers to lead project teams, estimate resources, allocate budgets, control spending, identify risks, etc. In the late fifties, attempts to make formal descriptions were made, and since that time the era of PM shareware has started.

Today you can find many overviews that allow you to understand the questions "What is project management software?" and "How to plan and control projects?" A great number of software development companies offer powerful software tools and solutions that are distributed through a wide range of resellers in Internet. You can find such examples as MS Project, VIP Task Manager, and so on. Each solution has unique design, tools, options, and requirements.

Among a variety of project management solutions VIP Task Manager is distinguished by its powerful functionality, user-friendly interface, and client-server technologies. VIP Task Manager is a desktop-based software application that allows you to take your project from detailed initiation and planning through successful reporting and closure.

VIP Task Manager is a shareware product that you can download and use for free during 30 days. The client-server architecture of VIP Task Manager will let you collaborate with other users and share project tasks and files over LAN or Internet.