Feature-Rich PM Software Under $100

Written by: Joe Taylor Jr. • Edited by: Michele McDonough
Updated May 3, 2011 • Related Guides: Project Management Software

A survey of tools for software management includes four titles that users can start using without any license fees.

Small to medium sized businesses often cringe at the prices on most typical project management software lists. Desktop tools like Microsoft Project often cost over $100 per user while web-based tools frequently charge per user, per month.

Fortunately, teams of volunteers and marketing-savvy companies have released robust project management tools that skimp on the price and not on the features. This directory of the best project management software packages for under $100 highlights four tools that have grown in popularity because of the right combination of features and value.

OpenProject

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Although a growing number of enterprise users have decided to deploy OpenOffice as a cost-effective alternative to Microsoft Office, the popular open source suite does not include its own project management software. Developers at Projity responded to the demand by releasing OpenProject, a free software package that is subsidized by the company’s other services.

OpenProject looks and feels like many of the best project management software packages on the market. Best of all, it runs on Windows, Mac, and Unix machines, enabling managers to work across multi-platform environments. For a few dollars a month, users can host a virtualized edition of OpenProject on Projity’s servers, making this tool an ideal hybrid of desktop and web-based project management software.

GanttProject

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As the name implies, GanttProject is a tightly focused tool that allows users to create professional, polished Gantt charts. However, users can also manage team lists and manipulate assignments in real time. Resource load charts round out the package, offering some of the most popular features of Microsoft Project with a far smaller footprint. This highly stable tool is maintained by volunteer software programmers and project management professionals who release new features and security updates on a regular basis.

V1: AgileTeam

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Well known for its web-based, enterprise-level project management tools, VersionOne recently released a stripped-down platform for smaller teams. Normally priced at $995, the Team Edition of V1: Agile requires users to maintain their own server. In exchange for that hardware investment, V1: Agile Team pulls remote colleagues together for collaboration, task tracking, and overall project planning. To promote the enterprise version of their software, VersionOne currently offers V1: Agile Team at no charge, making it ideal for small groups that plan on growing into large companies.

Project Engine

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Designed as a powerful, automated task management system for large teams, Project Engine features a core of essential project management tools. Its “personal edition,” available as a free download, gives users a glimpse of its potential. For leaders of small teams, the personal edition of Project Engine offers the same class of functionality as the best project management software packages on the market. An upgrade that unlocks even more features for growing teams costs just $120.

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Thomas R May 4, 2011 5:34 PM

RE: Feature-Rich PM Software Under $100

I think the industry is headed in a web based direction, SaaS is usually much more beneficial in the long run than one-time-purchase applications, when you take into consideration data management, upgrading, etc.

One of the best project management apps out there right now is WORKetc, which combines CRM, project management, and billing into one - but brings collaboration to all three as well. It's a business management suite and can be used to manage a business in it's entirety, with deep integration and efficient workflows. At the same time, it has in depth functionality and can be used to manage pretty much everything, i.e. calendars, dashboards, to-dos, timesheets, email marketing, lead collaboration, etc. Worth a look!

This is the website: http://www.worketc.com

CBM Sep 22, 2009 3:21 AM

New tool in town...

There's a tool (www.getzcope.com) coming from Europe that is now available in English as well with plans for under 100$...

Besides a free plan there are two plans under the limit - one for €19 and one for €49 / month (the others are €99 and €199). The tool is best for agile methods - no gantt charts (promised ;-)

Feature-Rich PM Software Under $100

OpenProject

GanttProject

V1: AgileTeam

Project Engine

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