J
John Hood
Hi all.
I just spent a few hours reviewing Gantt Project and Open WorkBench as a
possible replacement for Microsoft Project.
Here are the results.
If I was adding an addition to my house, I'd coordinate the project
with Gantt Project.
If I was adding an addition on to the Pentagon, I'd use OpenWorkbench.
Both require the Java2 runtimes.
Both allow you to input resources, tasks, and dependencies.
Neither have the ability to attach files to a task or sub-project or
export tasks and calendar to Microsoft-based email or PIM systems.
Open Workbench is so powerful it's scary. I've used MS Project off and
on for a few years. Open Workbench, I don't known what half the stuff
does! It takes time to learn how to set it up to show the project and
tasks. The views are seriously configurable and the tool sets include
such things as "Critical Path" analysis and other analysis types. Set
resource availability, billable time, etc.
One weakness, starting a sub-project requires that you map out the
project separately, save it, then append it. Also, not a lot of
reporting options. Read the Help file all the way through before
getting too far into OpenWorkbench.
Gantt Project was far easier to start with, but may be limited for more
serious project managers. There are no projects or sub-projects in
Gantt Project. The Project is simply a root-level task, and sub-tasks
are attached under it. Right-click any task and move it up or down,
promote and demote., Calendar shows the timeline, and click on the
events to see/edit properties. Add resources simply by clicking the
"resources" tab and clicking "new."
Gantt Project really shines when it comes to status report time. File
export types are XML, HTML, and PDF. Exporting to HTML creates a "mini"
site with resources, timeline, tasks and status in one shot.
When putting a note in the task notes field, you can click a button for
a date-time stamps (nice!).
Weaknesses: Analysis, you're on your own. Export to XML and build what
you need in a spreadsheet. Also, would it have killed them to be able
to activate hyperlinks in the notes field? I know Java does it. Not
here apparently.
Again, two choices if you are willing to forgo embedded docs and PIM
support: One big and capable. the other fast, intuitive and pretty.
John Hood
Web Site www.jhoodsoft.org
"The best home and business free software, no ads, no time limits, no
fluff."
"No kidding."
I just spent a few hours reviewing Gantt Project and Open WorkBench as a
possible replacement for Microsoft Project.
Here are the results.
If I was adding an addition to my house, I'd coordinate the project
with Gantt Project.
If I was adding an addition on to the Pentagon, I'd use OpenWorkbench.
Both require the Java2 runtimes.
Both allow you to input resources, tasks, and dependencies.
Neither have the ability to attach files to a task or sub-project or
export tasks and calendar to Microsoft-based email or PIM systems.
Open Workbench is so powerful it's scary. I've used MS Project off and
on for a few years. Open Workbench, I don't known what half the stuff
does! It takes time to learn how to set it up to show the project and
tasks. The views are seriously configurable and the tool sets include
such things as "Critical Path" analysis and other analysis types. Set
resource availability, billable time, etc.
One weakness, starting a sub-project requires that you map out the
project separately, save it, then append it. Also, not a lot of
reporting options. Read the Help file all the way through before
getting too far into OpenWorkbench.
Gantt Project was far easier to start with, but may be limited for more
serious project managers. There are no projects or sub-projects in
Gantt Project. The Project is simply a root-level task, and sub-tasks
are attached under it. Right-click any task and move it up or down,
promote and demote., Calendar shows the timeline, and click on the
events to see/edit properties. Add resources simply by clicking the
"resources" tab and clicking "new."
Gantt Project really shines when it comes to status report time. File
export types are XML, HTML, and PDF. Exporting to HTML creates a "mini"
site with resources, timeline, tasks and status in one shot.
When putting a note in the task notes field, you can click a button for
a date-time stamps (nice!).
Weaknesses: Analysis, you're on your own. Export to XML and build what
you need in a spreadsheet. Also, would it have killed them to be able
to activate hyperlinks in the notes field? I know Java does it. Not
here apparently.
Again, two choices if you are willing to forgo embedded docs and PIM
support: One big and capable. the other fast, intuitive and pretty.
John Hood
Web Site www.jhoodsoft.org
"The best home and business free software, no ads, no time limits, no
fluff."
"No kidding."