We previously discussed using internet searches as a method of finding project management software tools to evaluate.

Another often overlooked method is to search news releases. Why news releases? Because legitimate project management software vendors publish releases to let the world know about important news related to their company or tool. There can actually be a wealth of information in news releases. Not only can you find tools, but you can also glean information and get a picture of the tool itself. In today's world of social media, many organizations deliver information via news releases.

Let me give you an example. I went to Google News by navigating to Google and clicking on News at the top of the page. I entered "project management software" in the search box and returned 43 news releases in the past month, 121 for 2009. In the first two pages of results I found over 10 products, including one of which was focused on architecture, engineering, and construction. I also learned about a user conference, several product upgrades, available webcasts, and tips.

Is this the end all source of information on tools? No, but it is another tool in the arsenal to find and learn about project management software tools.

What I would do is the same thing you did for Internet searches - make a list of tools that pass your initial criteria and that are in your target category. Go to their websites to glean information. Take advantage of webcasts, etc. to learn more.

In a subsequent post, we'll cover a couple of other methods of finding tools, and then go into the next phase - how to more thoroughly evaluate the tools on your list.