MS refurbishes Office
Microsoft has released a beta version of its upgraded project management software, Project 2000, the vendor's latest addition to its Office 2000 suite.
Microsoft has released a beta version of its upgraded project management software, Project 2000, the vendor's latest addition to its Office 2000 suite.
According to Steve Ballmer, president of Microsoft, the latest version of Project 2000 has been designed to make it simple for project management teams to help manage the multiple details of projects.
Speaking at Comdex, Ballmer said: "Microsoft is delivering breakthrough collaborative technology to the knowledge worker with Microsoft Project 2000. Project 2000's web collaboration will increase productivity and accuracy.
"Even knowledge workers who don't think of themselves as project managers can benefit, because the product improves their ability to manage details and work more effectively with others."
Ballmer also announced availability of beta versions of Project Central, a web-based companion to Project 2000, which he claimed allows project management professionals to participate in project planning and gives managers better reporting tools.
The beta CD includes Microsoft Project 2000, Microsoft Project Central and a Windows 2000 Deployment template.
Customers can order the beta version for just £15, the cost of shipping and handling. A representative for Microsoft in the UK said its software solution providers would receive the beta for free on their monthly update CD.
Microsoft is expected to deliver the final version of Microsoft Project 2000 in the first quarter of next year. The product will come with one copy of Microsoft Project Central, with more user licences available at an additional cost.
Customers who acquire Microsoft Project 98 between now and 30 April 2000 are eligible for the Microsoft Project Technology Guarantee. The guarantee enables customers who buy Microsoft Project 98 to receive a free copy of Microsoft Project 2000 when it becomes available.
However, the vendor has also warned users running Microsoft Project 4.0, 4.1 and earlier versions should upgrade to Project 98 to ensure their file formats are compatible with Project 2000 when it is finally released.