Managing projects is hard work at the best of times, but there are a number of free and open source (FOSS) applications available that can help CIOs and other managers streamline the administrative aspects of project management.

CIO found five tools to help CIOs and IT project managers keep their projects on-track and on-schedule -- without blowing the budget:

1. OpenProj

OpenProj is a cross-platform desktop project management application that paints itself as an alternative to Microsoft Project, including file compatibility. OpenProj features Gantt charts, network diagrams (PERT charts) and earned value costing. Parent company Serena Software also offers commercial project management solutions.

URL: http://openproj.org
Licence terms: CPAL

2. Pleno

According to its developers, Pleno is an integrated, enterprise-grade platform for distributed or centralised software project management. Its main features include project management, portfolio management, resource planning, schedule management, and time tracker capabilities. Pleno can also be applied to generic projects, not just software development.

URL: http://sourceforge.net/projects/pleno/
Licence terms: GPL

3. Projectivity

Projectivity is a Web-based project management and collaboration application developed in Java (certified for JBoss). It’s core functionality is project management, but it also encompasses knowledge management, project management framework support and collaboration. Support is also available from the commercial business behind it.

URL: http://www.projectivity.biz
Licence terms: GPL

4. Todoyu

Todoyu is a new Web 2.0 project and task management application that features project management, time tracking, team organising, task distribution, resource management, calendar and a client interface. Support tickets and billing are other useful features.

URL: http://todoyu.sourceforge.net
Licence terms: GPL

5. Project HQ

Project HQ is a collaborative project management tool that features milestones, task lists, tasks, a ticketing system and a wiki. Project HQ is developed with Python and is database independent. Also included is a useful workflow app to assist in managing projects.

URL: http://projecthq.org/
Licence terms: GPL

Some more links:

http://open-tube.com/12-free-and-open-source-erp-business-software-solutions

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_project_management_software