Quick Overview
- 1#1: ServiceNow - Comprehensive enterprise platform for IT business management, strategic portfolio planning, and aligning IT with business goals.
- 2#2: Planview - Enterprise portfolio and resource management solution for IT planning, demand management, and project delivery.
- 3#3: Broadcom Clarity - Strategic portfolio management tool for IT investment planning, roadmapping, and execution across enterprises.
- 4#4: Microsoft Project - Project management software for scheduling, resource allocation, and tracking IT projects and portfolios.
- 5#5: Atlassian Jira - Agile planning and issue tracking tool optimized for IT development, operations, and service planning.
- 6#6: Oracle Primavera - Advanced project portfolio management for planning and controlling large-scale IT and infrastructure projects.
- 7#7: Adobe Workfront - Work management platform for IT teams to plan, prioritize, and collaborate on projects and resources.
- 8#8: Smartsheet - Flexible spreadsheet-style platform for IT project planning, collaboration, and workflow automation.
- 9#9: LeanIX - Enterprise architecture tool for modeling, planning, and transforming IT landscapes and strategies.
- 10#10: Apptio - IT financial management platform for cost modeling, budgeting, and planning IT investments.
Tools were evaluated based on core functionality, user experience, scalability, and value, with a focus on features that address diverse IT planning needs across enterprises and teams.
Comparison Table
This comparison table outlines key features, capabilities, and target use cases of popular IT planning software, including ServiceNow, Planview, and Microsoft Project. It helps readers identify tools that align with team workflows, integration needs, and project management goals, whether focusing on IT service management, portfolio planning, or agile methodologies.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ServiceNow Comprehensive enterprise platform for IT business management, strategic portfolio planning, and aligning IT with business goals. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | Planview Enterprise portfolio and resource management solution for IT planning, demand management, and project delivery. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.7/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | Broadcom Clarity Strategic portfolio management tool for IT investment planning, roadmapping, and execution across enterprises. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.1/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 4 | Microsoft Project Project management software for scheduling, resource allocation, and tracking IT projects and portfolios. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.1/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | Atlassian Jira Agile planning and issue tracking tool optimized for IT development, operations, and service planning. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | Oracle Primavera Advanced project portfolio management for planning and controlling large-scale IT and infrastructure projects. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 6.3/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | Adobe Workfront Work management platform for IT teams to plan, prioritize, and collaborate on projects and resources. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 8 | Smartsheet Flexible spreadsheet-style platform for IT project planning, collaboration, and workflow automation. | other | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 9 | LeanIX Enterprise architecture tool for modeling, planning, and transforming IT landscapes and strategies. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | Apptio IT financial management platform for cost modeling, budgeting, and planning IT investments. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 9.0/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
Comprehensive enterprise platform for IT business management, strategic portfolio planning, and aligning IT with business goals.
Enterprise portfolio and resource management solution for IT planning, demand management, and project delivery.
Strategic portfolio management tool for IT investment planning, roadmapping, and execution across enterprises.
Project management software for scheduling, resource allocation, and tracking IT projects and portfolios.
Agile planning and issue tracking tool optimized for IT development, operations, and service planning.
Advanced project portfolio management for planning and controlling large-scale IT and infrastructure projects.
Work management platform for IT teams to plan, prioritize, and collaborate on projects and resources.
Flexible spreadsheet-style platform for IT project planning, collaboration, and workflow automation.
Enterprise architecture tool for modeling, planning, and transforming IT landscapes and strategies.
IT financial management platform for cost modeling, budgeting, and planning IT investments.
ServiceNow
enterpriseComprehensive enterprise platform for IT business management, strategic portfolio planning, and aligning IT with business goals.
Strategic Portfolio Management with AI-powered scenario planning and real-time roadmapping that unifies strategy, execution, and operations.
ServiceNow is a comprehensive cloud-based platform renowned for its IT Service Management (ITSM) and IT Business Management (ITBM) capabilities, extending deeply into IT planning through modules like Strategic Portfolio Management (SPM), Project Portfolio Management (PPM), and IT Financial Management. It enables organizations to align IT investments with business objectives via demand management, resource allocation, financial forecasting, and strategic roadmapping. The Now Platform's low-code/no-code tools allow for extensive customization, integrating planning with operations and service delivery for end-to-end visibility.
Pros
- Unmatched depth in IT planning features including AI-driven SPM, PPM, and financial planning
- Seamless integration across the entire Now Platform and third-party tools
- Scalable for enterprises with robust analytics and automation capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial implementation requiring skilled administrators
- Premium pricing that may not suit small to mid-sized organizations
- Heavy reliance on custom configurations for optimal use
Best For
Large enterprises needing an integrated, enterprise-grade platform for strategic IT portfolio management, resource planning, and financial alignment.
Pricing
Custom enterprise subscription pricing; typically $100,000+ annually based on users, modules, and deployment scale (quotes required).
Planview
enterpriseEnterprise portfolio and resource management solution for IT planning, demand management, and project delivery.
Real-time scenario planning and AI-powered demand intelligence for dynamic IT portfolio adjustments
Planview is a comprehensive enterprise portfolio management (EPM) platform specializing in IT planning, project portfolio management (PPM), and adaptive work management. It enables organizations to align IT strategies with business objectives through advanced roadmapping, resource optimization, demand management, and financial forecasting. The suite includes modules like PPM Pro, Enterprise One, and Roadmaps, providing real-time analytics and scenario planning for complex IT environments.
Pros
- Powerful portfolio prioritization and roadmapping tools
- Advanced resource and capacity planning with AI insights
- Extensive integrations and scalability for large enterprises
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface
- High cost unsuitable for small teams
- Lengthy implementation and customization time
Best For
Large enterprises and IT organizations needing sophisticated strategic planning, portfolio optimization, and cross-functional alignment.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $100/user/month for core modules, with enterprise suites exceeding $50,000 annually.
Broadcom Clarity
enterpriseStrategic portfolio management tool for IT investment planning, roadmapping, and execution across enterprises.
Blueprint-based process modeling for highly flexible workflow configuration without heavy coding
Broadcom Clarity PPM is an enterprise-grade project portfolio management (PPM) solution designed for IT planning, enabling organizations to align projects with strategic goals through portfolio optimization and resource management. It offers comprehensive tools for demand intake, financial planning, capacity forecasting, and performance analytics to support IT investment decisions. As a scalable platform available in SaaS or on-premises deployments, it excels in handling complex, large-scale IT portfolios across industries.
Pros
- Robust portfolio optimization and scenario planning tools
- Advanced financial tracking and ROI analysis integrated with IT planning
- Highly customizable with strong API integrations for enterprise ecosystems
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup
- High implementation and customization costs
- User interface feels dated compared to modern SaaS alternatives
Best For
Large enterprises with complex IT portfolios requiring deep strategic alignment and resource optimization.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; SaaS starts around $60-100/user/month with minimums, plus implementation fees often exceeding $100K.
Microsoft Project
enterpriseProject management software for scheduling, resource allocation, and tracking IT projects and portfolios.
Advanced critical path and multiple baseline tracking for what-if scenario planning in IT projects
Microsoft Project is a robust project management solution tailored for detailed planning, scheduling, and execution of complex IT projects. It provides Gantt charts, resource allocation, critical path analysis, and portfolio management tools to help IT teams track timelines, budgets, and dependencies effectively. With cloud and desktop versions, it supports enterprise-scale IT planning while integrating deeply with the Microsoft ecosystem including Teams, Power BI, and Azure DevOps.
Pros
- Comprehensive Gantt charts, baselines, and critical path analysis for precise IT project scheduling
- Seamless integration with Microsoft 365, Azure, and Power BI for enhanced IT workflows
- Advanced resource management and portfolio oversight for enterprise-scale planning
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface and advanced features
- High pricing that may not suit small IT teams or startups
- Limited native mobile app capabilities compared to modern cloud-native alternatives
Best For
Enterprise IT departments managing large, complex projects with heavy reliance on Microsoft tools and detailed resource tracking.
Pricing
Plan 1: $10/user/month (web-only); Plan 3: $30/user/month; Plan 5: $55/user/month (billed annually); on-premises licensing available.
Atlassian Jira
enterpriseAgile planning and issue tracking tool optimized for IT development, operations, and service planning.
Advanced Roadmaps for multi-team, hierarchical planning with real-time dependency mapping and scenario planning
Atlassian Jira is a versatile project management platform primarily designed for software development and agile teams, offering robust tools for issue tracking, sprint planning, and workflow automation. In IT planning contexts, it excels with features like Advanced Roadmaps, capacity planning, and portfolio management via Jira Software Premium and Jira Align add-ons, enabling teams to visualize dependencies, allocate resources, and forecast timelines. It integrates seamlessly with the Atlassian ecosystem and third-party tools, making it a powerhouse for complex IT project orchestration.
Pros
- Highly customizable workflows and boards tailored for agile IT planning
- Advanced Roadmaps and dependency management for enterprise-scale visibility
- Deep integrations with dev tools like Bitbucket, Confluence, and ServiceNow
Cons
- Steep learning curve with complex setup for non-technical users
- Pricing escalates quickly for large teams and advanced features
- Interface can feel overwhelming and cluttered without customization
Best For
Mid-to-large IT teams and agile software development groups requiring scalable planning, roadmapping, and resource tracking.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 users; Standard at $8.15/user/month; Premium at $16/user/month (billed annually); Enterprise custom pricing.
Oracle Primavera
enterpriseAdvanced project portfolio management for planning and controlling large-scale IT and infrastructure projects.
Advanced Monte Carlo risk analysis for probabilistic scheduling forecasts
Oracle Primavera is a robust enterprise-grade project portfolio management (PPM) software suite, including Primavera P6 and Primavera Cloud, designed for detailed planning, scheduling, and execution of complex projects. It excels in critical path method (CPM) scheduling, resource optimization, risk analysis, and portfolio oversight, making it suitable for large-scale IT infrastructure and deployment projects. While powerful for traditional waterfall methodologies, it supports hybrid approaches in IT environments with integrations to tools like Jira and Oracle ERP.
Pros
- Industry-leading CPM scheduling and resource leveling for complex IT projects
- Comprehensive risk management with Monte Carlo simulations
- Scalable portfolio views and strong Oracle ecosystem integrations
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring specialized training
- High cost prohibitive for small to mid-sized IT teams
- Less intuitive for agile or rapid DevOps planning workflows
Best For
Large enterprises handling mission-critical IT infrastructure projects with heavy scheduling and compliance needs.
Pricing
Enterprise licensing model; Primavera Cloud starts at ~$100/user/month (minimums apply), P6 EPPM via perpetual or subscription (~$3,500/user upfront + maintenance); contact sales for custom quotes.
Adobe Workfront
enterpriseWork management platform for IT teams to plan, prioritize, and collaborate on projects and resources.
Workfront Planning's interactive Gantt charts and scenario modeling for visual IT capacity and resource forecasting
Adobe Workfront is an enterprise-grade work management platform that enables IT teams to plan, execute, and optimize projects through project portfolio management (PPM), resource allocation, and capacity planning. It provides tools for demand management, scenario planning, and real-time visibility into IT workloads, helping organizations align IT initiatives with business goals. Integrations with Adobe tools and third-party apps like Jira and ServiceNow enhance its utility for complex IT environments.
Pros
- Robust resource and capacity planning with Scenario Planner
- Advanced PPM and customizable dashboards for IT portfolio oversight
- Strong integrations and automation for enterprise-scale IT workflows
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to high customizability
- Enterprise pricing can be prohibitive for mid-sized teams
- Interface feels dated compared to modern SaaS tools
Best For
Large enterprises and IT departments requiring comprehensive project portfolio management and resource forecasting.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; starts at around $30/user/month for Team edition, $48 for Business, with Enterprise plans quoted based on needs (annual contracts typical).
Smartsheet
otherFlexible spreadsheet-style platform for IT project planning, collaboration, and workflow automation.
Resource Management with capacity planning and workload views for balancing IT team utilization across multiple projects
Smartsheet is a cloud-based work management platform that blends spreadsheet familiarity with project management tools, enabling IT teams to create customizable sheets for planning projects, resources, timelines, and portfolios. It supports Gantt charts, dashboards, automated workflows, and resource views to track IT initiatives in real-time. With robust integrations to tools like Jira, Azure DevOps, and Microsoft Project, it facilitates collaborative IT planning without requiring coding.
Pros
- Flexible spreadsheet-like interface customizable for IT roadmaps, resource allocation, and capacity planning
- Real-time collaboration, mobile apps, and extensive integrations with IT tools like Jira and ServiceNow
- Powerful automations and dashboards for streamlined reporting and workflow efficiency
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced formulas, automations, and portfolio features
- Lacks deep IT-specific governance, risk management, or enterprise-scale agile portfolio tools
- Per-user pricing can become expensive for large IT teams with premium add-ons
Best For
Mid-sized IT teams seeking a versatile, no-code platform for project tracking, resource management, and collaborative planning.
Pricing
Free plan available; Pro at $7/user/month (billed annually); Business at $25/user/month; Enterprise custom with advanced security and support.
LeanIX
specializedEnterprise architecture tool for modeling, planning, and transforming IT landscapes and strategies.
Interactive Fact Sheets with customizable meta-model for flexible, collaborative IT asset modeling
LeanIX is a SaaS-based Enterprise Architecture Management (EAM) platform designed to help organizations visualize, analyze, and plan their IT landscapes. It enables IT leaders to model applications, technologies, business capabilities, and processes through interactive fact sheets and dynamic visualizations. The tool supports strategic IT planning with roadmaps, risk assessments, and compliance reporting, facilitating alignment between business and IT strategies.
Pros
- Highly intuitive visualizations and interactive reports for IT landscape management
- Robust integrations with tools like Jira, ServiceNow, and Azure DevOps
- Strong support for agile EA methodologies and business capability modeling
Cons
- Enterprise-level pricing may be prohibitive for SMBs
- Initial setup and modeling require EA expertise and time
- Limited advanced customization options for highly specialized workflows
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises seeking to rationalize IT portfolios, assess technology risks, and align IT investments with business objectives.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically starting at €20,000-€50,000 annually based on users and modules.
Apptio
enterpriseIT financial management platform for cost modeling, budgeting, and planning IT investments.
TBM Unified Model for standardized, industry-benchmarked IT cost allocation and transparency
Apptio is a Technology Business Management (TBM) platform designed for IT financial planning, cost optimization, and strategic alignment of technology investments with business goals. It offers tools for budgeting, forecasting, cost transparency, and performance analytics across hybrid IT environments, including cloud and on-premises assets. The software enables scenario planning, vendor management, and benchmarking to drive data-driven IT decisions.
Pros
- Exceptional cost transparency and granular IT financial analytics
- Robust forecasting, scenario modeling, and benchmarking capabilities
- Strong integrations with ERP, cloud providers, and ITSM tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup requiring expertise
- High implementation costs and long deployment timelines
- Pricing is opaque and geared toward large enterprises only
Best For
Large enterprises with mature IT finance teams needing advanced TBM for cost management and strategic planning.
Pricing
Custom enterprise subscription pricing, typically starting at $100,000+ annually based on modules, users, and data volume.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools offer diverse capabilities, from aligning IT with business goals to managing portfolios and simplifying workflows. ServiceNow stands out as the top choice, with its comprehensive platform exceling in strategic alignment. Strong alternatives like Planview and Broadcom Clarity provide tailored strengths, ensuring options for varied needs. Together, they showcase the best in IT planning software.
Explore ServiceNow to unlock streamlined, strategic IT planning—its robust features make it a top pick for businesses aiming to optimize their processes.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison