Nowadays, technology can help you in any field, and this is particularly the case for project management. Project management software helps with planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and change management. This software can quickly help a business finish a project promptly without errors. Thankfully, there are many different types of software to work with your style.
Desktop
Desktop project management software is one of the most popular kinds of applications in this field due to its ease of use. This program runs on the user's desktop. The tools are implemented as a desktop software. Many of these programs are single-user applications utilized by the project manager or another expert in the field.
Desktop software is highly responsive and uses a high graphic interface. The data is stored in local files to promote collaboration among users who are working on the same project. Users also have the ability to store their data in a central database to collaborate across distances. Despite this, desktop programs only allow one user to access the file at any given time.
Web-Based
Web-based project management software uses your browser to access a web application. The biggest benefit of this type of project management software is that you have access to it through a smartphone or tablet. This method allows companies to access information while on the go.
There are many advantages to web-based project management including the ability to access files without needing additional software. It also provides multi-user access, so more than one user can access the information at one time. Unfortunately, this type of software is slower than desktop applications due to the web-based aspect. Additionally, it has limited graphic capabilities, and the project will not be accessible offline.
Integrated/Collaborative
Integrated systems combine project management and planning together for projects that are accessed by multiple users. Most integrated project management software also have other company operations including bug tracking issues, customer lists, task lists, calendars, and messaging.
Integrated systems are considered collaborative since it’s designed to support multiple users at once. Users can update areas they’re responsible for, meaning people can access the same files at the same time. Some web-based project plans fall into this category, but they have limitations because they’re not accessible offline. Some software tools have begun using client-server architecture to bypass this issue. This software tool runs on a user’s desktop and replicates information when it’s connected to the network.
