Free and Open Source Project Management Software--OpenProj
The folks at Projity sent me a note on Friday about reaching the 200,000 download mark for their open source project management software, OpenProj. OpenProj is released under the Common Public Attribution License (CPAL). It runs on Linux, Windows, and Mac OS X and it opens Microsoft Project and Primavera files.
I used a previous version and thought it worked rather well though I am not that well-versed in project management software. If you are in need of project management software it's definitely worth a look.
For those of you wondering what the catch is, or more pointedly,"How do these guys make money?" The answer: a collaborative, browser-based subscription service for those who want to share project plans, etc. called Project on Demand.
I think OpenProj has real potential my early tests with the beta software were good. Also, I am always happy to see cross-platform open source desktop applications. It leaves the door open for future use of desktop OSes other than Windows. However here are some of my observations as someone who is part of an open source project:
- Downloads: 200,000 downloads doesn't mean much without a vibrant community I am not sure the infrastructure for such a community is there yet.
- Forum Activity: After 200,000 downloads I have to wonder why there is no more than this forum activity for the 200,000+ downloads.
- Frames on Projity.com: The website could use a little attention, it's frames based and I couldn't bookmark anything easily, it's beyond me why anyone in 2008 is still using a frames website.
I would love to hear from anyone who tries out OpenProj and to get their feedback.
For more Mark Hinkle, visit his Socialized Software blog.
I use Project-ON-Demand which is their SaaS solution. I needed a browser solution for our team and it works great. We pay $19.99/month for our Project Managers and only $9.99/month for our Team Members. That is a GREAT departure from spending $999.99/copy for Microsoft Project.
Once again, we needed Project-ON-Demand in the browser but at our PMI meetings people are switching to OpenProj in droves!!!! OpenProj is FREE on the desktop and available on Linux, Unix, Mac or Windows. They both open existing Microsoft Project native files so there is not a reason to dump Microsoft and go with the Projity solutions.
I am obviously a big fan!!! Go Projity. When will Google, Sun or IBM buy these guys :-)