🚀 go-pugleaf

Hi, as promised, here are the replies to my request for information on project
management software.  I'll let you draw your own conclusions from the letters
enclosed.  (If your letter isn't here, I didn't get it.)

One thing I got from this question was that what I thought of as project 
management software if different from the general concept.  I'll have to
start using Chena's phrase (work processor) to describe Fair Witness.  I'm
currently testing it on a project involving 40+ people in 20 institutions
on three continents and haven't reached it's limits yet.  It's like a 
spreadsheet for thoughts.

Larry J

Date: Fri, 7 Aug 92 15:28:27 PDT
From: claris!qm!mike_steiner@ames.arc.nasa.gov (Mike Steiner)
To: jewell@mace.cc.purdue.edu
Subject: Re: FAQ: Project management Software?

In article <56182@mentor.cc.purdue.edu>, jewell@mace.cc.purdue.edu (Larry Jewell) writes:
> Hi, this is probably a sure FAQ, but I don't have that much time to track all
> the groups I'd like to.
> 
> We're currently evaluating FairWitness to handle project management, and like
> the features, but before committing whole hog to training everyone in the 
> department, the boss wants to know if there is anything else we should be
> comparing FW to, such as MS Project (which I'm not even sure is available
> for the MAC.)
> 
> Anyway, if you have a program you're happy with, and can spare the time to
> tell me why, I'd appreciate it.  I'd collect all responses and send them to
> interested parties unless I get too many, in which case I'll post the thing.

Yes, MS Project is available for the Mac, and so is MacProject from Claris.
Call 1 800 3-CLARIS to ask for literature (I believe that there is also a
demo available).

Date: Fri, 7 Aug 92 11:33:04 PDT
From: hoyt@godzilla.Quotron.COM (Bob Hoyt)
To: jewell@mace.cc.purdue.edu

I have used both Claris' MacProject and M/S Project.  They both have pluses and
minuses.  The M/S tool has a good outlining function, which Claris claims to be
adding to their next release.  (We'll see.)  However, M/S Project is very 
obviously (very!!!!) a dumb port of their Windows version (which seems to be
a port of their character-based version).  Yeeesshh!

I started out using MacProject and was forced to change because upper
management at the time was heavily into micromanagement (read: intimidation).
So my lack of enthusiasm for M/S Project is probably a little colored by that.
(The big issue is that in the Gantt chart, MacProject indents the task names
to follow where the task starts, whereas M/S Project puts them in a single
column.  I much preferred being able to build a project schedule from the Pert
chart window, which for me is easier to do on MacProject (my prejudice?).

On the topic of a single column of task names.  M/S Project does allow much
more customization of output formats for any and all reports.  On reporting
in general, they leave MacProject choking in their dust.  If your boss, or
someone above, is heavily into reports, Project is probably a better choice.
Also, there is supposed to be a new version (3.x ??, sorry) which has some
nice new features.

If your use of this is as a tool for better management at your level, i.e.
better scheduling, finding overallocations, etc., and the reports and custom
formats are not a big deal, go with MacProject for your comparison.  This is
especially the case if you are used to the Mac user-interface as opposed to
the crippled Windows interface.  It is easier to use, easier to learn, IMHO.

Good luck, and email me at hoyt@montana.quotron.com if you have any specific
questions you would like me to try to answer.

Bob Hoyt
-- 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
My email address:	hoyt@quotron.com	|
Mailing address:	Robert W. Hoyt		|  The first to plead his case
			M/S F1-10		|  seems just,
			Quotron Systems, Inc.	|  until another comes and
			12731 W. Jefferson Blvd.|  examines him.
			Los Angeles, CA 90066	|
Phone Number:		(310) 302-4149		|	Prov. 18:17
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Date: Fri, 7 Aug 92 09:39:46 +0100
To: jewell@mace.cc.purdue.edu
Subject: Re: FAQ: Project management Software?

In comp.sys.mac.apps you write:

>Hi, this is probably a sure FAQ, but I don't have that much time to track all
>the groups I'd like to.

>We're currently evaluating FairWitness to handle project management, and like
>the features, but before committing whole hog to training everyone in the 
>department, the boss wants to know if there is anything else we should be
>comparing FW to, such as MS Project (which I'm not even sure is available
>for the MAC.)

>Anyway, if you have a program you're happy with, and can spare the time to
>tell me why, I'd appreciate it.  I'd collect all responses and send them to
>interested parties unless I get too many, in which case I'll post the thing.

>Thanks!
>Larry J

>-- 
>#Larry W. Jewell (ex-USN) jewell@mace.cc.purdue.edu                         # 

I've been trying to convince our management we could do with some planning
help ...  MS Project is indeed available for the Mac.  It's a low-end product.
I've been looking at the Micro-Planning range, starts with Micro-Planner as
a low-end entry point and runs through a series of compatible modules up to
Micro Planner X-Pert, which the trade mags reckon is the bee's knees.  They
sent me a demo (which appears to be fully operational as far as the couple
of small projects I've played with are concerned).  Their UK number is
+44 272 509417 fax 508377.  

Russ

-- 
#Larry W. Jewell (ex-USN) jewell@mace.cc.purdue.edu                         # 
#"Sunday's horoscope is noteworthy because of its strange, sudden and wholly#
#unpredictable and inexplicable occurrences, affecting all phases of life." #
#--"Your Horoscope," L.A. Evening Herald Express, Saturday, Dec. 6, 1941.   #