Roadmap (ppmroadmap.com) helps users plan and analyze their project portfolios. The application focuses on visual organization rather than plain text. The user can slide project items into the right time slots and compile them into groups. Roadmap features an interactive Gantt charts as well as customized criteria that allows the user to choose how they sort and filter data. Excel exporting features are included so the user can take project information offline. Roadmap helps the user manage resources as well by giving them the ability to forecast by percentage or hours. Resource data can be filtered by role as well. The application gives the user multiple levels to review their project and resource data, from the individual level to a view that includes all their current undertakings.

Visit www.ppmroadmap.com

Roadmap was founded by Dave Clausen and Bill King. The application was intended to give users an interactive, detailed way to manage projects and related resources. Users have found a number of helpful features however the application does have a few shortcomings that have not yet been resolved. Roadmap currently supports Chrome 9 and 10, Safari 3 and 4, FireFox 3.6 and Internet Explorer 8 browsers. Internet Explorer 6 and 7 are no longer supported.

Roadmap is appealing because it allows users from different departments work on the same application. Users can sort by roles so a greater number of projects can be managed. The user interface is very detailed however some users may find this to be a bit intimidating. It may take some users a bit longer to adapt than it does with other similar applications because there are a number of functions and different views to navigate through.

The look of Roadmap is a bit different compared to similar applications. Many users can appreciate the drag and drop interface, which permits them to easily slide items into different time slots and drag them up or down for grouping purposes. The only downside to this is that the interface can start to feel a bit disorganized at times. Learning Roadmap may take a little longer, but it can help provide better control over project progress and resources.

New users can get started by clicking either the gold “Try It Now” link or the matching button found on the homepage. The user is directed to the trial account registration form. The form asks for a first and last name, company name, email address and password. The user must also check the small box below the text fields to confirm their agreement with the Roadmap privacy policy and terms of service. After successfully entering a Captcha code, the user can submit the form. The next step invites the user to start new projects on their free trial account, which lasts for 30 days.

After the 30 day free trial is up, the user must choose from one of three membership plans. The first option is the Basic plan which costs $15 per month and includes up to 25 active projects, 5 GBs of storage space and access or unlimited users. The Plus plan costs $35 per month and upgrades to 50 active projects and 25 GBs of storage space. The Pro plan costs $75 per month and includes unlimited projects, 50 GBs of storage space and the ability to schedule audits. Completed projects do not count towards the account maximum.

Roadmap (ppmroadmap.com) can be a helpful tool for teams, groups or companies who need to manage projects and resources. It is designed for those who manage multiple projects at a time and possibly multiple teams and departments across projects. A smaller group that handle fewer projects may find Roadmap less appealing, although the overall cost is economical.

• Roadmap integrates with BaseCamp
• Multiple projects can be managed as well as multiple departments and roles
• Resource forecasts can be created for different time frames
• A drag and drop interface allows for easy planning
• Filters and sorting options allow the user to organize data
• Project information can be exported to Excel

Visit www.ppmroadmap.com