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Using a software application to help manage your projectsshouldn't be more work than the project itself. Unfortunately,in many cases, it is. And, at first glance, FastTrack ScheduleVersion 7.0 from AEC Softwarelooks as if it could require more effort than you bargained for.However, this project-management tool offers many features that canmake monitoring projects less of a headache.
Version 7.0, the latest upgrade to the software, is availablefor $299 (street). It adds more customization options and new waysto view your project's timeline. It also features a compatibleversion for your Palm handheld computer, available for $99(street). The Palm version offers a limited number of the featuresavailable in the desktop version, but it does allow you to createand edit schedules.
The desktop version is indeed far more robust. The interface isbusy-it can be overwhelming at first-but once you spend some timenavigating through the application and its many features, you learnjust what FastTrack can do. For instance, you can track progress ona project by entering different tasks and assigning timelines. Youcan also track the hours and the amount of money spent on eachproject. New in Version 7.0: a calendar view that allows you to seeyour project's timeline on a traditional calendar rather thanjust on a Gantt chart. The tracking function also features acritical path highlighter, which highlights the trail of tasks withthe least flexibility for change.
FastTrack 7.0 also adds resource tracking, which allows you totrack all the people, equipment and resources necessary forprojects. With the Resource Work Calendar, users can set individualwork calendars for each person or each piece of equipment involvedin a project. Each individual or piece of equipment can be assignedto a specific task (issues such as vacation time or equipmentmaintenance can be accounted for), and the information can bedisplayed in a bar chart. Also among the new features in Version7.0 are the QuickLook Balloons, the QuickRange Palette, a Web helpsection and a Microsoft Project 2000 Exchange Wizard. A fullyfunctional version is available as a free download, but users willbe unable to save files. Registered users of Version 6.0 canupgrade for $129.
Liane Gouthro, a former technology reporter at PCWorld.com, freelances from herhome in Brookline, Massachusetts.
