We are a nonprofit in Arizona needing to purchase Project Management software. I've been told Microsoft's is very difficult. What is your experience with this type of software?
MS Project is very powerful, and just like any powerful program, it can be difficult, not to mention a bit expansive as well.
I would take a look at what you need to do with the software now, and at least a couple of years in the future. If you don't really need Project, then there are a number of programs on the market that should do what you want and not need as much time to learn the application.
Thanks,
Christian
Some of our staff requested MS Project to help with the coordination of various events/proposals. I did some follow-up with the staff to find out details as to what they were looking for, and it came down to these basics:
- document collaboration
- shared calendars
- shared task lists, with assignments and status (% complete)
... all of which can be done through Outlook/Exchange (which we have already).
MS Project is difficult because it is very detailed and comprehensive -- you could use it to plan the design and building of a space shuttle. My advice would be to make a list of the features you need in order to plan your project, and then see if there might be another (cheaper or less complex) application that would work.
Joined on 10-14-2002
TechSoup Member
I agree with the other responses. It really depends on what you need.
If you really need the gant chart, resource planning and dependency checking, you may actually need MS Project. MS Projct is a very fancy program, but it can be scaled down for the average user. It's really handy for multiple projects and resource tracking.
If you need the calendar, tasks, directory...you can probably use outlook. If you don't have exchange or web access to outlook, look at eProject express (www.eProject.com). This is a free (the express version only) web based project management tool that we use. IT also has a fee based service for document sharing and other higher level activities.
Jill Knowland McCormick
Libris Solutions
jill@LibrisSolutions.com
I agree with the above analysis of MS Project. I have also used a software product called ManagePro. http://www.performancesolutionstech.com/
It was simpler to use than Project because it is not as topheavy with features. I see that it has had a number of upgrades since I used it, so that may not still be the case! However I did like it.
I am now faced with needing a project management solution myself and would like to find the "wordpad" of project management solutions - a basic solution!
I suggest also checking out some of the Free Software solutions available. There has been quite a number of programs developed for project management and collaboration.
I personally use Dot Project (http://www.dotproject.net). It is full of features, including gantt charts, calendars, multi-user, contacts, doc management, tasks etc. Still lacking in timelog management, but has very nice interface, easy to use, uses colors nicely to identify projects.
Another one that is top on my list is PHPCollab. Also very nice interface and features. http://phpcollab.sourceforge.net/
Another very effective software with many features is PHProjekt, though it is a pretty dry interface that is tiring to use a lot. http://phprojekt.com/
My search and investigation of softwares was limited to those that could be run in hosted environment, and that use PHP as a scripting language and MySQL as a database. I made a comparative chart comparing these three in features and functionality. If anyone is interested, please email me and I am happy to share.
Chris Johnson
If People - Innovation for People
www.ifpeople.net
web[at]ifpeople[dot]net
I suggest also checking out some of the Free Software solutions available. There has been quite a number of programs developed for project management and collaboration.
I personally use Dot Project (http://www.dotproject.net). It is full of features, including gantt charts, calendars, multi-user, contacts, doc management, tasks etc. Still lacking in timelog management, but has very nice interface, easy to use, uses colors nicely to identify projects.
Another one that is top on my list is PHPCollab. Also very nice interface and features. http://phpcollab.sourceforge.net/
Another very effective software with many features is PHProjekt, though it is a pretty dry interface that is tiring to use a lot. http://phprojekt.com/
My search and investigation of softwares was limited to those that could be run in hosted environment, and that use PHP as a scripting language and MySQL as a database. I made a comparative chart comparing these three in features and functionality. If anyone is interested, please email me and I am happy to share.
Chris Johnson
If People - Innovation for People
www.ifpeople.net
web[at]ifpeople[dot]net
I have an unopened copy of Microsoft Project 98 version that you can have if you want it. I know it is not the latest version, but its free. Email me you contact info and I will mail it to you, if you want it.
Joined on 03-13-2003
TechSoup Member
It might help if I logon first. So now if you want it, you can get my email address.
I want 5 users to use a MS Project file for simple usage. Must I buy (not only the 5 copies of Project) the MS Project server and the licenses as well?
I found a groupware comparison table (http://www.avane.com/spip/article.php3?id_article=53). It compares the features of several popular groupwares. Although it's written in French, everyone should be able to figure out what's what.
Nonetheless, more functions does not necessarily translate into better softwares. The devil is in the details.
We would be interested in the free copy of MS Project. We are a nonprofit foodbank.
Joined on 10-22-2003
TechSoup Member
What about opensource (free) groupware? For example:
http://www.opengroupware.org/
http://www.php-collab.com/
http://www.phpgroupware.org/
http://www.phprojekt.com/features.php
http://weborganizer.sourceforge.net/
I know for example, the PHP-Collab is based on the now defunct Macromedia Sitespring so it is very stable and very professional.
Joined on 12-04-2003
TechSoup Member
Although this is low-tech, Franklin Covey offers very good electronic basic forms for project management as part of their one-day training course. It is not an integrated solution, but will work for a simple project. For a couple hundred dollars you not only get the forms you need but training in project management.
Hi,
Since I posted some of my above comments on open source and Free Software solutions, I found another tool which looks very promising. It only runs on Windows (silly, unnecessary developer decision), and I have not tried it yet. This is what the site claims:
"Open Workbench is the open source successor to Project Workbench, the trusted tool used by more than 100,000 project management professionals worldwide.
• Open Workbench can be distributed free of charge throughout an enterprise.
• Open Workbench is a stand-alone desktop application that provides robust project scheduling functionality.
for the Open Workbench Web site click here
Happy managing!
Regards,
Chris
--
ifPeople - Innovation for People
www.ifpeople.net