Project 2002 Adds Collaboration, Resource Management Capabilities

Microsoft

With this release, Microsoft hopes to move into the enterprise project management arena, taking on such companies as Primavera and Artemis International Solutions, said Zena Girdler, product manager.

The product line now includes a server that runs atop SQL Server 2000 to store and manage resource data. "You can now run portfolio management and analysis reporting--do 'what if' analyses atop Project," she noted.

Previously, Microsoft Project was client-side software only. The new server costs $1,499, including five client access licenses. The Standard Edition client is $599. A Web Access CAL, which provides browser access to server data and applications, is $179.

While Microsoft owns a significant chunk of the project management business, its client-side focus hamstrung Project's capabilities, analysts said.

"The big problem was it's always been a desktop app, with one individual using it, so updates were cumbersome. Now it's a think-client solution, so everyone can see the schedule and if I change mine based on some project issues, that change is reflected throughout," said David Hofferberth, Professional Services Automation research director for the Aberdeen Group.

Secondly, the new iteration weds project management with resource management, so if key personnel are out during a period of time, the system will flag that and prompt rescheduling up front, Hofferberth said.

He expects other PSA software vendors will embed Project 2002 into their own products and layer other functions atop it.

Girdler said the new software will enable users to link documents to specific tasks. And, a new user interface will make it easier to find and track projects, using an Office XP-like left-hand pane, she said.

The product will officially launch June 6, Microsoft said.