Portera's Tracker application lets IT managers keep tabs on their staffers and centrally input and manage their tasks and projects. Tracker, which is accessed over Portera's portal site, lets IT managers identify worker responsibilities, deadlines, and project status. It automatically notifies project team members of a new task or problem that needs attention. The software directs team members, via E-mail, to a private URL for further instructions. Developers can also collaborate over the Web via a private URL, which is accessed via a password.

Kent Deverell, a principal at San Francisco IT design and development firm Fluid Design and Development, has been testing Tracker for several months. Before using Tracker, Deverell had to set up spreadsheets for projects and E-mail team members to collaborate on projects, bugs, and issues that come up during the development process. "With Tracker, everything is stored in one place, and we can streamline our communications," Deverell says. "We can customize the application to include whatever tracking fields we want." Tracker costs $10 per month for each live project for an unlimited number of users.

Portera also purchased ConsultLink for an undisclosed sum. The directory lists more than 24,000 high-tech consultants with expertise in areas spanning business strategy, implementation, marketing support, and recruiting--all with an IT focus. Users can enter Portera's portal site at www.portera.com and search for consulting firms and freelance IT workers. Use of the site is free.