The first step of PMS deployment is developing a deployment plan to decide about the process of PMS deployment modalities. The plan can significantly facilitate selecting a suitable PMS, and transitioning the system on the operational use for the project.

An automated PMS operates on a computing platform using software and other information technologies (IT). The PMS deployment modality describes the type of computing platform in which the PMS is implemented for use. The PMS deployment platforms include single-user computers, shared-user networks (local and wide area networks), and cloud-computing environments as a software-as-a-service (SaaS) application. Additionally, some PMSs provide mobile app technology enabling distributed access to the PMS’ functionality, as well as some PMSs provide application program interfaces (APIs) or other techniques to integrate project management software with other software applications such as email applications, virtual collaboration systems, and other application productivity tools.

The PMS deployment modality is often a factor in determining the PMS’ operational-use costs. Like other software applications, a PMS is either self- or custom-developed, purchased as commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) software on a fixed-cost license basis, rented on a pay-for-user basis (SaaS), or provisioned via a publicly available forum (often at no or limited cost). Although many software applications are promoted as Open Source, that does not equate to being freely available for use with no restrictions. However, many software applications, PMS included, are offered on a limited-use basis at no cost, while a few PMS applications have no fixed or periodic purchase cost.

The degree of project management collaboration and information sharing, the geographic locations of project teams and engaged stakeholders, challenges and constraints of the project, and the availability of IT infrastructure are factors in determining which PMS deployment modality is best suited for the organization’s project management environment. Additionally, other factors such as cybersecurity requirements, proprietary use requirements, scope requirements, training, support, file storage capacity requirements, project team size, and operational use costs also inform the PMS deployment decision-making process.