In addition to Internet searches, networking, and news searches, here is another method to find tools: directories.
This is related to Internet searches, but still different enough to mention. There are several directories out there that list project management software tools. You do need to understand how these directories are populated, but they can be a good source of information. Here are a few that you may want to explore:
Web-Based Software Directory
http://www.project-management-software.org/
This online directory lists a number of project management software systems. The systems that are listed first are companies that pay to have their products listed. The rest of the listings are simply listings.
Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_project_management_software
Most people know of Wikipedia. The well-known online encyclopedia includes a list of "relevant" project management software systems added by users.
Capterra
http://www.capterra.com/project-management-software
Capterra is a great online software directory that contains listings for several different software types, including project management software. It includes companies that pay to be listed at the top as well as normal listings. Capterra offers an RFI service to request information from multiple vendors (but from what I hear, be prepared to hear from LOTS of vendors).
PMOpinions
www.pmopinions.com
PM Opinions is a fairly new site that contains project management software tools as well as a host of general project management resources.
There are many directories that I am excluding because of space, such as www.allpm.com or www.projectconnections.com. What you will find is that many of these directories will have many of the same tools. So you do not necessarily need to go through ALL of the directories, but pick a couple with which you are comfortable.
As we stated before, find tools, send them through your comparison criteria, and come up with a list of tools to explore further.
Speaking of which, we'll begin to talk about just that...how to explore further.
Send me your comments and your own experience to blog@teaminteractions.com.
