Top 10 Open Source Web-Based Project Management Software

Project management software is not just for managing software-based projects. It can be used for a variety of other tasks too. The web-based software must provide tools for planning, organizing and managing resources to achieve project goals and objectives.

A web-based project management software can be accessed through an intranet or WAN / LAN using a web browser. You don’t have to install any other software on the system. Most also have the ability to be used on tablets or smartphones.

Project management software is very versatile and can be used for a variety of different projects.

Here are just some things you can expect from a project management software:

• Track the progress of your projects
• Set priorities
• Assign tasks to team members, and collaborate on projects with others
• Identify projects at risk
• Control budgets
• Track issues and bugs
• View scheduled tasks in a visual view (Gantt charts, calendars)

Here is a list of top 10 web-based project management apps:

#1: Redmine

This project management tool is great for issue management. You can use it to track multiple projects and its flexible role-based access control make sure only authorized eyes can view the details.

The software is available as a cross-database and cross-platform app.

You can easily track networking issues, data center issues, capacity planning, trouble tickets and much more using Redmine.

Key Features

• Gantt chart and calendar
• Supports multiple projects
• Time tracking
• Document management
• Supports user self-registration
• Email and feeds notifications
• Forum and wiki support
• SCM integration
• Multilanguage support with 34 languages
• Ability to update tickets in batches

#2: TaskJuggler

The free and open source software system makes project planning and tracking a breeze. The tool has a set of command line tools and libraries. TaskJuggler can plan individual tasks automatically as well as resolve conflicting situations.

Using this tool, you can define a timeline and include breaks within the Gantt diagram. You can also easily assign your resources along with their budgets.

Key Features

• To-do list management
• Easy to install on Windows, Linux, MacOS, Unix, and many other operating systems
• Supports multiple time zones
• Intuitive task editor
• Fully integrated with the Vim text editor

#3: Freedcamp

Freedcamp offers a number of neat features to collaborate and complete projects – calendar, milestones, discussions, issue tracker, and even a wiki. Freedcamp is free with vital features for unlimited projects, users, storage, and tasks.

Key Features

• Responsive design
• Project picker feature makes it easy to navigate and switch between your projects
• Powerful dashboard
• Calendar sharing
• Time tracking feature
• Easy to sort and organize projects
• Create, visualize, and organize tasks from one location
• Team collaboration
• Link and integrate projects with Zapier
• Splitting bigger tasks into smaller, manageable ones with subtasks

#4: ProjectLibre

ProjectLibre makes it easy for teams to manage and collaborate on projects using global resource pools. In 2017, the CIO Magazine mentioned ProjectLibre as a scalable project management tool that suits different organizations from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies. ProjectLibre has over 4,000,000 downloads in more than 200 countries.

Key Features

• Compatible with Microsoft Project
• Gantt charts
• Export/import functionalities
• Value costing
• Structure charts for work breakdown
• Structure charts for resource breakdown
• Network diagrams
• Resource histograms
• Reporting capability
• Capability to set dependencies
• Easy to create your project’s baselines, allot resources, and define work.

#5: Project-open

This application is more than your regular project manager software. It has all the vital tools for enterprise resource planning (ERP) and portfolio management. That means, Project-open has the capabilities for running a small-scale business, including resource management, human resource planning, timesheet management and other ERP features.

While most of its competitors focus on project-related tasks like creating and monitoring tasks, Project-open has a chock-full of features that you can customize to meet your company’s needs. The software can operate on many popular platforms, hosting services, or Amazon cloud.

Key Features

• Project tracking
• Portfolio management
• Project controlling
• Risk management
• Change management
• Full-text search engine
• Budget management
• Collab
• Finance module
• Wiki
• Forum and file storage

Also Check: 6 Best Online Team Management Tools

#6: OpenProject

Developed back in 2010, the application allows companies to plan projects, set schedules, create roadmaps and suitable release dates for their product development. Companies can also collaborate, manage tasks, track issues, as well as monitor time, cost and quality.

OpenProject exists in two major versions: the community and the premium version.

The software displays custom columns in a work package list. This feature allows you to use the same column names and replicate an Excel spreadsheet. This makes OpenProject a great alternative to Excel Gantt charts.

Key Features

• Task management and issue tracking
• Meetings
• Forums
• Modern design
• Product roadmap
• Repository
• Mobile-friendly layout
• Single-page application

#7: MyCollab

The small to medium-size open source application is ideal for project management, CRM, and document sharing. It features an intuitive dashboard for accessing project summary, client list, tasks, messages, calendar, member management and more.

Key Features

• Customer management
• Email reporting
• Issues tracking
• Email support
• Automatic reminders and alerts
• Supports mobile and desktop devices
• Forum and wiki support

#8: MeisterTask

MeisterTask is a task management system that promises simplicity and user-friendliness. MeisterTask allows integration to third-party tools including Slack, G-Suite, Dropbox, Zen Desk, and GitHub. Some features and integrations are limited in the free version.

Key Features

• Supports the integration of multiple third-party tools
• Emails and other collaboration options
• Kanban
• iOS or Android
• Cloud file management
• Task relationships
• Scrum

#9: Odoo

Odoo is an all-in-one project management tool that comes with a complete suite of corporate management apps. This business software includes CRM, accounting, e-commerce, project management, warehousing, inventory and more.

Source: 

Odoo’s complete source code can be found on GitHub under AGPLV3. Besides, Odoo has an application server that uses PostgreSQL as the backend database and has a Web based client as well. Odoo has robust technical support and support for new development and bug fixing.

Key Features

• Project tasks
• Project reporting
• Interactive user interface
• Enhanced communication features
• Smart integration
• Customer services

#10: Wekan

Wekan is a great free open source project management software with functionalities for fast and simple workflow. Wekan makes it easy for project managers to make boards where cards can be dragged between columns.

The app is easy to use and comes with an interactive interface. Released under MIT’s License, Wekan is open for enhancements and modifications. It allows users to have full control over their data. Wekan can be hosted on a server as well. The Wekan community has more than 400,000 members, meaning there’s an active community working to improve this application.

Key Features

• Enhanced task management along with easy, customizable, and interactive options
• Easy to install via Cloudron, Docker, Sandstorm, Ubuntu Snap, Debian packages, and Source
• Kanban boards make a card-based task management possible
• Runs on iPhone and Android

Honorable Mentions

1. Bugzilla (only bug tracking)
2. OpenProj (desktop app – replacement for MS-project)
3. Free Gannt Charts (spreadsheets)

Conclusion

To meet your strategic goals, invest in game-changing project management applications that can change the way you market, collaborate, sell, conduct, and innovate. Such a tool will shorten the organizational project timelines. Use most of the web-based open source project management software discussed above to create your project’s visual roadmap.

How do you manage your IT / software and other projects? Are you using a better option? Let us know in the comments.