This IDC study elucidates how the project and portfolio management (PPM) market returned to robust health in 2004 after struggling in the previous two years. It also suggests that positive momentum will continue for PPM in 2005 and 2006 but that the diverse supply-side market must begin a consolidation phase because of the surfeit of PPM vendors.

"PPM is stepping out in front of several other enterprise applications as a growth opportunity for software vendors," said Evan Quinn, GVP of Applications. "The visibility into people processes that PPM offers management will continue as a driving force for PPM adoption, but other factors such as more targeted offerings, strong demand in developing nations, and enhancements to ease of use will also contribute to PPM popularity."