Program or portfolio management concerns itself with the problems that occur in managing multiple projects simultaneously. The words are often used interchangeably, although a program is usually a collection of projects designed to realise a common set of objectives while a portfolio could simply represent a collection of projects having some aspect (perhaps simply the project manager) in common.

Several years ago, Microsoft introduced a product designed to enhance the capability of Microsoft Project. This tool, now known as Project Server 2003 (or Project Enterprise), is a program management vehicle, designed to facilitate the communication of information relating to multiple projects among the key players within the management structure.

You as project manager begin by developing your individual project plans as usual. Here you do need to make use of Microsoft Project Professional (as opposed to the Standard version) in order to gain access to those tools that relate to Project Server. You then 'publish' your projects to a website which is established as part of the installation of Server. These reside in a database that supports that website, in addition to the copy stored normally in a Microsoft Project file format.

Also using Microsoft Project Professional, you can send individual team members their task assignments. These people, in theory located anywhere in the world, can log in under password and using nothing more than a browser, receive these assignments in the form of an email sent to the website. When they have completed their work they can also report their progress there. These responses are then examined on the website by the project manager who can converse electronically with the team members and ultimately update the project schedules automatically on-line. The system allows multiple levels of security, defining what team members, project managers, executives and others are able to view.

The system is customisable, so that views and table can be established, similar to the way this is done within Microsoft Project. You can also customise reports relating to issues, risks and project status and generate these quickly and easily. The program also provides analysis and modelling features, allowing aggregate resource demand to be examined and where appropriate, substitutions made in order to relieve bottle-necks.

The web server requires some setting up, but once operational, Microsoft Project Server provides a very convenient environment in which programs and portfolios of projects can be managed. The program represents the next phase in the evolution of project management software - i.e. the ability to manage the complexity and physical remoteness that can be associated with multiple projects and the resources required to complete them.