Project X 1.0.1
Marware
Price: $199.95
Pros: Easy To Use Interface, Attractive Layout, Seamless OS X integration
Cons: Cost, Few Project Templates
by Drew Bailey, 1st Lt, USAF
As military members, we are constantly faced with the task of organizing and executing projects. These projects may include planning the unit picnic, organizing an awards banquet, or initiating a spin-up process for deployment into a major theater of operations. Regardless of the project size and visibility, one must develop a good plan. One must also have an organized way to keep track of progress in order to ensure timely completion. Project X is a project management package developed by Mareware (retailer of many great mac accessories ranging from laptop cases to iPod holders) that is a great tool for project planning, oversight, and completion.
Project X includes some of the best instructional media I have seen in a software package. These products include a Quick Start Guide (in both print and PDF), quick reference guide, users guide, as well as a tutorial video clip. All of these document include detailed, yet easy to read graphics.
I decided to use my upcoming wedding as a test bed for this review. Within about thirty minutes I was able to input all the major tasks that I need to complete prior to the wedding. Before Project X, I used a host of other tools to keep track of the things I needed to accomplish. I now have a way to keep track of the whole project in one place.
Each task includes information such as the number of hours/days alloted for completion, as well as how much money the task will cost. The total amount of time/money can be tracked for each task (this can be useful to military members to get summary information for writing performance reports or awards packages). Notes pertaining to the task can also be added and any files related to the project can be linked for access directly from within Project X.
If your project is hosted on a network however, “resources” (those people to whom you assign a task) can log onto the web app from any local computer (Mac or PC) and update their progress on the assigned task. When information is published to the web app, an email with a URL is sent to all resources. After an update has been made, the project manager can Sync the update with the main project. Project X also allows for easy to read reports to be generated. These could easily be inserted into Keynote or PowerPoint for weekly staff meetings.
Over all I find Project X to be a very useful program. I think it will be one of those programs where I am always finding new ways to implement it into my day to day life. Marware advertises Project X as “Project management for the rest of us.” Their goal was to create a program that would let a project manager spend their time working on the project, not learning the software. I believe they accomplished their goal. Project X can be learned easily with the help of the included tutorials and about half an hour of exploration. As an added benefit, by registering you unlock the e-book Practical Project Management by Michael Dobson, as well as receive technical support and free software updates.
I would liked to have seen a more robust assortment of project templates, however by browsing through those included, I was able to organize my own project. If you are looking for a basic outlining or organization tool, Project X may be more than you want or need – especially at a price of almost $200.00. But if you are in need of an aide to handle every aspect of a project from the brainstorming phase to project completion, then Project X may be just what you are looking for!
System Requirements:
* G3 or better processor
* 512MB RAM
* Mac OS X 10.4.8 or later