For today’s technologically infused enterprise space, the project manager’s role is growing exponentially and the mounting list of IT projects needs a more enhanced tool set. For this reason, many business leaders are looking to cloud based SaaS (Software as a Service) resources to add to their arsenals.

Because of the hugely diverse array of SaaS project management tools out there, and because every business is unique and requires different needs in terms of SaaS resources, we won’t focus on the variety of tools available, but rather the elements you should consider when shopping for the right tool for your business. We’ve highlighted a few factors below that CEOs and CIOs should consider when the time comes to put these assets into play.

Security

While many project managers consider price to be the primary concern with Cloud platforms or software, security is perhaps the leading factor that should be considered. After all, you’ve worked hard to keep your network and sensitive data secure, how regrettable would it be to employ a new, helpful resource only to see it become the single point of vulnerability? This is an especially important question for file transfer software.

Because your data will likely be in the hands of a third party with a SaaS program (or at least in a third-party location), this area is especially sensitive. Ensure that the cloud provider has top-notch security and privacy measures in place. You’ll want to look at the tool from a security officer and compliance perspective. In addition to checking out the SaaS security measures, ensure the proper backup protocols are in place, and what contingency plans there are in the event of a breach on the provider side.

Cost

This factor is pretty straightforward, as all businesses usually know how to shop with a price – or more importantly, a budget – in mind. But the tricky part of shopping for SaaS products is the widely varying pricing structures. Because cloud-based tools don’t use the standard boxed software + license model, instead offering a service-based tool, you’ll be hard pressed to find any cut-and-dry pricing. The key concern in terms of cost when shopping for SaaS tools is to be laser focused on the compatibility of the software with your architecture and finding a precise match between your needs and the offerings and features of the program and the provider.

Features

The features of the SaaS product lie at the very core of the entire endeavor of implementing project management software. Ultimately, the features will be the ‘proof in the pudding’ for any PM who is looking forward to a more productive (and hopefully easier) road ahead. Again, your primary focus is compatibility and how well the PM software syncs up with your needs and the company’s existing architecture.

Be vigilant about uncovering at features that competitors might overlook, such as collaborative benefits and channels for marketing your services and products more effectively. Most importantly, for service-level features relying on the provider, ensure they have a consequence for failing to deliver features as promised.

Interface / Usability

While features, price and security are all significant concerns when shopping for SaaS project management tools, nothing else about the software will matter if the interface is broken, incompatible or simply hard to use. Demo versions and free trials exist for this very reason, and they benefit both parties. The SaaS provider gets to show off their product and bring the selling points home in a practical environment while gaining a stronger rapport with a potential client. Better yet, you get to see how well it works. Take every opportunity to try out a software you’re interested in before you buy.

If possible, make sure that as many staffers at the office get a chance to take the tool for a spin (or at least those will most likely be using it). Do some comparative testing along the way. While one SaaS platform may stand out in terms of usability, there’s no way to know if there’s a far better tool unless you shop around and try out several of them.