I would like to discuss the gist and the similarities and differences between OpenProj and Microsoft Project. OpenProj is an alternative Window-based tool to Microsoft project, but has “a similar user interface (UI) and a similar approach to construction of a project plan” (Wikipedia). You could say that OpenProj and Microsoft Project were mostly related to each other. This application has accessibility to operate project management in a disciplined way, such as tracking your work, establishing accurate project plans, and so on. It even creates visual schedules for keeping track of your project tasks such as Gantt charts (like the one from above).
Now that we know the description of OpenProj, I will show you the similarities and differences. According to the article from Bright Hub PM, “Microsoft Project vs. OpenProj,” there are few similarities, but many differences. However, for the scope of this blog, I will enlist the most significant and important differences for the users.
Similarities
- Resource management
- Scheduling
- Custom features (i.e. validation rules, workflow rules, and custom actions)
Differences
- OpenProj is free, but $849 for Microsoft Project
- OpenProj has a Java platform, not Microsoft Project
- OpenProj has no project portfolio management, but Microsoft Project does
- OpenProj has blogging capability
In my opinion, OpenProj may be ineffective for project management users based on its accessibility and accountability. Sometimes it can be helpful for your project schedules, but it may not be easy to work with on a weekly basis. I finally come to a conclusion that for me, it would be difficult to work with OpenProj.
Hi Mari,
ReplyDeleteGreat blog post. I like how you used this theme to compare 2 products for project management: openproj vs microsoft project. Your post looks great because you have similarities, differences, pros and cos for each type of software. I like how you included the price of Microsoft project to bring your point out. I like how in the end you made a conclusion and decision about the open source software openproj and stated that openproj is difficult to use. Maybe there are other alternatives out there? We as SJSU CS majors get MSDN (which includes Microsoft project for free too! I think everyone should check that out!
Jeff
This is a very informative post. I didn't have any idea what OpenProj was used for when it was suggested rather bluntly in our project, but you have explained what it is good for in a succinct way. In addition to that, you went far as to list and compare with Microsoft Project, the other counterpart for OpenProj. I feel I learned a lot in this blog entry. Thank you for your research and keep up with your good work.
ReplyDeleteHi Mari,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your sharing. What a nice post.
You introduced a very nice open source product to us. I had no idea about OpenProj before read your blog. As most of students, I just use Microsoft Word and pay for it. That drives me crazy and I decide to try OpenProj this week.
Besides, your blog has nice pictures. The formal is pretty nice, and you list some of features to compare it with Microsoft Word. It is very clear.
Thanks again for your sharing, and I am looking forward to reading more your blogs.
Hey Mari,
ReplyDeleteI like how specific and focused the topic of this post is. It’s interesting to read something that really goes in-depth on a topic, instead of making broad statements about something that can’t really be covered in a short blog. The post is also well organized and easy to read. I like the bulleted list and the hyperlinks right in the post.
The last paragraph kind of surprised me! It’d be cool if you elaborated more on why OpenProj is more difficult to work with.
Great post, keep up the good work.
Hello Mari,
ReplyDeleteI've found your blurb about wikipedia to be quite intriguing due to the the very detailed success story you provided. I was, of course, aware of wikipedia's popularity, but I was not aware of the popularity of its "text management" system. The fact that you have a link pertaining to the e-textbooks story is also a very helpful and positive point in your blog. Your explanation is thorough and in-depth, as it even goes onto explain about the positive mental influences the wiki-influenced e-textbooks exuded upon their users. I feel the length of your blog entry is of just the right amount to be informative without being overburdening. To strengthen your entry, you may want to consider even briefly addressing the fact that Wikipedia has been looked down upon by many professors due to its very loose text management system, which would then be followed and dispelled by your strong example.
Hey Mari, this is a wonderful example of benefits between an open source alternative to corperate product. However, example usage of OpenProj in where you say it may be ineffective would help validate how you came to your conclusion.
ReplyDeleteHi Mari,
ReplyDeleteDid you know that Open Proj is a dead project now? So comparing it to Microsoft Project (which still has on going development is slightly unfair). Open Proj has been super seded by a new open source project: Project Libre (similar to how Open Office has been superseded by LibreOffice). For reference, the last stable release of Open Proj was in 2008, while the last stable release of Microsoft Project and Project Libre were both in 2013.
Tim K
Hi Mari,
ReplyDeleteYour blog is one of the best blog I have read. Great work and it is very informative..
The similarities and differences between OpenProj and Microsoft Project are written very clear to read. And for a no computer science background student like me, it is interesting, which is not often happen. At the end of your blog, you give your own conclusion about OpenProj that you feel hard to work with it. Maybe it is better to mention a little details or more your experience to support your conclusion. That would be more persuaded.
All in all, you did a really good job. I really enjoy reading your blog.