Top 17 Open Source Project Management Software Applications

Any Open Source Project Management Software?

This page is right for you if you are looking for good open source project management software? There many open source PM software available for individual as well as team and business uses. Some packages provide rich project management features just like the commercial product. The programs offer various useful functions including task management, scheduling, budget management, resource allocation, collaboration, documentation management and project planning. Calendar and Gantt chart are also included.

There are two more aspects which commercial products don’t offer, but you can get them with open source application: 1) Open source is free; you don’t have to pay for license to get the right to use the program. 2) The source code is available to download and change to suite your needs; as from one user to another there are different needs and preferences.

This page will listed both desktop and web-based project management applications available for you to download, use as well as install in your own server. You will find a list of top 17 open source PM applications available on the internet today.

Desktop Vs. Web-based Project Management Software

Here is fundamental comparison table to show you what are the differences between desktop and web-based PM applications.

Features	Desktop	Web-based
Installation:	Installed in your desktop computer. It is much easier.	Installed in your server. It needs some configuration.
Access through:	Open application directly in your computer.	Use web browser (Firefox, IE etc.) to open the program.
Collaboration:	Low collaboration capability.	More collaboration features including forum, dashboard, email etc.
Mostly used by:	Individual	Team
Availability:	Several programs available.	More than 10 applications available to choose.

Desktop Project Management Software Programs

Are looking the free open source alternative solution to Microsoft Project? There are several outstanding PM tools which are developed to help users in project planning, scheduling, resource management, Gantt chart, Calendar and more. Even it is not equal to Ms Project, but it does provide values to the users. It is worth to have a try. Here are list of them. You can download and use these tools for free of charge.

1. OpenProj

(Windows, Mac, Linux)
OpenProj is a free and open source project management software program by Serena Software Incorporated. The developer claims that OpenProj is a replacement of Microsoft Project and other commercial project solutions. And it has been download more than 1,250,000 times in the few months since launch and is being used in over 142 countries. Yes, it does. Even it is not equal to MS Project, but this program provides various useful features for project planning, scheduling and management. And it is worth to download and have a look. OpenProj Review.

2. Open Workbench

(Windows)
Open Workbench is designed for project scheduling and management. Open workbench is sponsored by CA’s Clarity Division. It is an open source application which runs on Windows platform including Windows 2000 and XP. The software can be downloaded and used for free for any number of users and it can also be used by individuals or any type of organization.Open Workbench Review.

3. GanttProject

(Windows, Mac, Linux)
Are you looking for free tool to help you in project scheduling and management? GanttProject is one of them. With user friendly interface, you can simply start project planning right away after installation. This program is an open source project management tool and released under the GPL license. Therefore, you can download and use it for free of charge. It is available for multiple platforms including Windows, Linux and Mac. You can use it whether your computer is running Windows, Mac or Linux operating system. GanttProject Review.

4. TaskJuggler

(Linux)
TaskJuggler is primarily developed for Linux and Unix-like systems. The program provides project planning and tracking solution with more flexible and superior to the commonly used Gantt chart editing tools. It is a project management software program for serious project managers. It is a free and open source application. Download and use for free. TaskJuggler Review.

Self-Hosted Web-based Project Management Applications

There are several commercial alike web-based project management software programs available for you to download and use for free. Self-Hosted (In-house or Installable version) web based project management. You can download the software and install it on your own servers. This is ideal for teams or organizations that have a slow internet connection, or have policies that prohibit keeping data on our servers, or need large file storage. It is recommended that you have qualified personnel who can install and configure all of the required software. Here is a list of them:

1. Redmine

Redmine is a one of popular web based project management application, it is written using Ruby on Rails framework. It includes calendar and Gantt charts to aid visual representation of projects and their deadlines. It supports multiple projects. Redmine is open source application and released under the terms of the GNU General Public License v2 (GPL) which you can download and use it for free. It supports multiple databases including: MySQL, PostgreSQL or SQLite. Redmine Review.

2. dotProject

dotProject released as an open-source software application which is available to download and use for free for any uses. dotProject is programmed in PHP, and utilises MySQL for a backend database (although other databases such as Postgres could also be used). The developer recommended server platform includes Apache, PHP, and MySQL. In the spirit of free, peer-reviewed, open source application development, the developer would also encourage you to use an operating system such as Linux, FreeBSD, or OpenBSD. However, additional operating systems such as Windows, Mac are also supported. dotProject Review.

3. ProjectPier

ProjectPier is a free open source and self-hosted PHP application for managing tasks, projects and teams through an intuitive web interface. The program is written based on open source technologies PHP and MySQL. ProjectPier is open source software under the Honest Public License. You don’t have to pay any license fee, you can use it for any project you like even commercial ones, and you can modify the code yourself if you like. ProjectPier Review.

4. Trac

Trac is a lightweight project management tool that is implemented as a web-based application, written in the Python programming language. Ideal for managing software developments, it is flexible enough to use for many types of projects. The program provides project management and bug-tracking features, and more features can be added by using plug-ins available such as from anti-spam to Gantt charts, file management and time tracking. Trac Review.

5. phpCollab

phpCollab is an open source internet-enabled system for use in projects that require collaboration over the internet. You can download and use this web based project management software for free. Those organizations, such as consulting firms, that rely on a division between firm-side and client-side information will benefit most from use of phpCollab. There several new features are adding to new version of the program including Trackers functionalities; Issue log time; Issue estimated time; Analysis Gantt chart. phpCollab Review.

6. Collabtive

Collabtive is an open source web based project management and collaboration software program developed by Group of volunteer. It is Open Source software and provides an alternative to proprietary tools like Basecamp. You can download and use it for free of charge. The program is written in PHP and JavaScript. Collabtive is intended for small to medium-sized businesses and freelancers. Collabtive Review.

7. PHProjekt

PHProjekt is an open source modular application written in PHP for the coordination of group activities and to share information and document via the web. As it is the open source application, you can download and use it for free. The program includes various components such as Group calendar, project management, time card system, file management, contact manager, mail client and many other modules.PHProjekt Review.

8. Projectivity

Projectivity is an open source Enterprise Management Platform combining unique tools for: Portfolio Management, Project Management, Knowledge Management and Collaboration. Projectivity incorporates many tools to help you: plan your projects realistically and efficiently; allocate your resources to various activities and regulate their total workload; control the progress of activities through Gantt charts or through automatic reports; receive email notifications when your attention is requested; and collaborate with your colleagues through Projectivity’s collaboration tools for Tasks, Meetings, Forums and News. The program is available in several languages including English, Italian and French.

9. Codendi

Codendi is an open source collaborative development platform developed by Xerox. The program provides useful features such as bug tracking, versioning integration, document and requirements management and reporting. The Labs Edition is free, whereas the Pro Edition requires an unspecified annual subscription. Quality and technical divisions, project managers and engineers can work with a common tool and easily share technical, managerial and quality information.

10. OpenGoo

OpenGoo is an open source online office suite software package developed by Feng Office and the OpenGoo community. It is a complete online solution focused on improving productivity, collaboration, communication and management of your teams. The program provides fully featured online office suite with a similar set of features as alternatives: Google Apps, Microsoft Office Live, Zimbra, and Zoho. The application is available to download and use.

11. ClockingIT

ClockingIT is a free hosted application, keeping track of all your tasks and the time you spend on them. It provides free Project Management solution, which helps your team stay focused and on top of things. It was created by Erlend & Ellen Simonsen, with contributions from a range of other people. The program provides three main solutions including Project Management, Collaboration and Time Tracking. It is available in multiple languages such as English, French, Spanish, Basque, Italian, German, Dutch, Polish, Hebrew, Brazilian Portuguese, Swedish, Danish, Norwegian and Finnish.

12. Project HQ

Project HQ is a collaborative open source project management tool, similar to Basecamp and activeCollab. Project HQ is built on open source technologies like Python, Pylons and SQL Alchemy and is fully database independent. Project HQ uses a structured workflow to assist you in managing your projects. Project HQ aims to be a buzz word compliant application, making use of Web 2.0 design and technologies like AJAX. Project HQ attempts to use AJAX in appropriate places, to help the user work efficiently, rather than simply providing flash and getting in the way of usability.

13. KForge

KForge is an open source project hosting software. It integrates together a variety of project service applications with a flexible and robust project management and access control mechanism. Project services include version control systems; project frameworks with mechanisms to plan and track work; wikis and mailing lists; and content management systems and blogs. KForge provides a web interface for review and administration of project members and services, as well as a fully-developed plug-in system so that new kinds of services can be added easily.

Voting for Your Most Favorite Open Source Web-based Project Management Application

As an experienced user, what is your most favorite open source web-based project management software? Share your experience and make it useful for other people. You are free to vote.

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