Types of Agile Project Management Software

Agile project management software can be categorized in two ways: methodology and deployment. If we’re going with the methodology, there are three main types to consider when it comes to agile methodologies: The Dynamic System Development Method (DSDM), Scrum agile development method and the Extreme Programming (XP) development method.

Dynamic system development method (DSDM)

DSDM is basically the original agile project development method, based on every popular and widely used agile principle. The DSDM agile method focuses on the complete project lifecycle. It is an agile method that doesn’t rely on vendors and it allows for on-time, in-budget delivery of any project by providing proper best practice guidance. Any agile project management tool that adheres to the DSDM method has inherent scalability as the method has proven to be capable of addressing simple to complex projects, at any size and for any industry.

DSDM agile project management software focuses on the utilization of a number of proven practices, which include modeling and iterative agile developments, time boxing, facilitated workshops and MoSCoW (must, should, could and would) prioritization. The eight principles of DSDM are: focus on the business need, deliver on time, collaborate, do not compromise quality, create/build incrementally from a solid foundation, develop iteratively, communicate in continuous and clear manner and demonstrate control.

Scrum agile project development method

Scrum is an agile project management software methodology that deals with task management inside a team-based collaborative environment. It is among the most popular and commonly used agile method, especially for team collaboration. This is mainly because the scrum method is relatively easier to implement and can solve many of the management issues that every project manager and development team have probably faced a bunch of times before.

The scrum method adheres to an agile project development framework that utilizes fixed-length iterations of work known as sprints. Each sprint is structured by four “ceremonies” and it all starts with backlog management, the process that has to be tackled in order to accomplish a particular set of tasks or body of work. There are two types of backlogs being managed in scrum, one is the product backlog and the other is the sprint backlog. The former is a prioritized list of features, while the latter is a list comprised of issues taken from the top of the product backlog.

Extreme programming (XP) agile method

The XP agile project management software approach is considered by many as one of the more radical agile methodologies in the list. This particular method focuses heavily on the software engineering process. It tackles an area of project management that specifically deals with analysis, test phases and development. The extreme programming agile development methodology offers innovative strategies and approaches designed to significantly improve the quality of the end product.

The XP agile method works by approaching the development process in short cycles, while providing frequent releases to improve the end product. Each subsequent release in the development stage incorporates valuable customer feedback and newly adopted requirements. All of this is intended to continuously improve the quality and efficacy of end products.

Now, apart from the methodologies, agile project management software can also be categorized by deployment method, i.e. on-premise or cloud-based.

On-premise deployment method

To be able to use an on-premise project management software solution, you first have to invest in and establish a rather expensive intranet, which can be a serious disadvantage to most small and mid-sized businesses and startups with limited budget. But on-premise deployment is not without its advantages, such as customizability. On-premise solutions are usually easy to customize to meet your needs once the system is fully setup.

The one-time licensing cost can be looked at either as a pro or a con, depending on your situation. It’s a pro if you can afford it. However, for some small businesses, the one-time licensing fee can be rather steep. Another advantage is data security. With on-premise setups, you get to store all your company data locally, within your own network.

Cloud-based deployment method

The cloud-based approach, also known as software-as-a-service (SaaS), is the more popular mode of deployment between the two available options. One of the key reasons to its popularity is the fact that it allows development teams that have team members working in different locations to collaborate in real time via the internet. Another reason for its popularity is the relatively inexpensive upfront cost, which is a significant factor for a lot of SMBs and startups.

One of the biggest advantages of cloud-based agile project management software is the pricing terms and the features generally offered. The subscription-based model makes scaling up or down easier and more straightforward, depending on your current needs. Updates are provided by the vendor or service provider on a regular basis and full technical and customer support are also available. Some of the basic features offered include drag-and-drop functionality for ease-of-use, time tracking, collaboration tools, Gantt charts, status tracking, burndown charts, prioritization, task management and agile methodologies.

How to Choose Agile Project Management Software

There are a few key considerations you have to factor into your decision-making process when researching the market for the most suitable agile project management software for your business.

Team collaboration and communication capabilities

When choosing an agile project management software solution, you have to look at its team collaboration and communication capabilities. The software solution should enable team members to collaborate and communicate with each other effortlessly, participate in discussions and work effectively regardless of their location or time zone. The platform should also allow stakeholders, decision-makers, testers, the development team, marketing team and client/customer to participate in the conversation at any stage of the project development process.

Centralized data repository

When you’re in the process of choosing a project management software vendor or service provider, ask about their storage database situation. Don’t hesitate to ask for a centralized searchable database to host the data from all of your projects. The agile project management tool should be capable of storing all vital project information in a single, secure database. It should also provide assistance to the development team when it comes to performing core functions, like user stories development, project tracking and time tracking.

Scalability of software pricing, functions and capabilities

Carefully evaluate your organization and think about the different departments and agile teams that your project management software will be supporting. The agile project management tool should be sufficient enough to meet your development team’s current requirements, but also easy enough to scale up or down, depending on your future needs. With the future in mind, look for a vendor or service provider that allows you to upgrade or downgrade your system cheaply and effortlessly.

Benefits of Agile Project Management Software

Here are a few key benefits you can expect from using an agile project management tool for all your organization’s future projects:

Higher quality end product

This is one of the main purposes of agile project management software—to enable project managers and their development team to come up with better quality end products by way of agile methodologies and development framework.

Improved engagement and satisfaction from clients

An agile project management tool often involves developing and working in sprints through the scrum methodology. This approach will enable project managers to work with and engage the client at various stages of the project development process.

Greater efficiency from the development team

Agile project management software provides tools and features that help project managers and the development team respond better and more efficiently to client issues and queries. The ability to resolve queries and obtain a real-time view of the current project tasks has an immediate positive impact in time efficiency and management.

Common Features of Agile Project Management Software