Posted on 09/26/2024 by Niko Venev
Project managers know that when it comes to project management software, Microsoft Project is a tried-and-true solution. Many employees new to the discipline, however, are often unaware that two versions exist: Standard and Professional.
Live Microsoft Project Instructor-led Courses |
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Course Title | Length | Price (USD) |
Project - Level 1 | 1 day | $350 |
Project - Level 2 | 1 day | $350 |
Project - Combo (Levels 1 & 2) | 2 days | $625 |
Self-Paced Microsoft Project eLearning |
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Course Title | Length | Price (USD) |
Project 2016/2019 eLearning Bundle | 6 courses | $300 |
Project 365 eLearning Bundle | 6 courses | $300 |
Project 2016/2019: Part 1 - Beginner | 5 courses | $150 |
Project 2016/2019: Part 2 - Advanced | 5 courses | $150 |
Project 365: Part 1 - Beginner | 5 courses | $150 |
Project 365: Part 2 - Advanced | 5 courses | $150 |
To understand what Microsoft Project Professional is, students may start by asking the question, "What is Microsoft Office?" Project Professional is the advanced version of Microsoft Project, project management software offered by Microsoft that's typically included in the Office 365, Enterprise, Government or Academic subscription levels. It can, however, be installed as an app with or without a subscription. Broadly speaking, Microsoft Project Professional is software known for providing a complex set of project management tools for professionals who seek ultimate control over every detail of their workflow.
Any answer to the question, "What is Microsoft Project Professional?" would be lacking if it didn't include a comparison between the Standard and Professional versions of the software. Simply put, Microsoft Project Professional offers more advanced project management tools than the Standard version.
Microsoft Project Standard offers many of the basic features that users would come to expect in good project management software, such as:
MS Project Professional offers many of the same tools that are available in the Standard iteration of the software, but these tools can often be more complex and feature-rich. For example, while the Standard version may offer basic scheduling capabilities, Professional can provide scheduling that considers task dependencies and critical paths. Similarly, Gantt charts in Professional can offer more detailed views of projects than those found in the Standard version.
Professional offers complex tools that can takes project management to another level, like:
The software offers enhanced resource management for project managers who are technically inclined. It also provides a higher-level view of a project's status and lays out additional avenues to complete administrative tasks. In the MS Project Professional vs. Standard debate, this type of functionality makes Professional stand apart.
Microsoft Project Professional's key users tend to belong to mid-sized or large companies. Its breadth and complexity are perfect for project managers who need to manage large teams, and MS Project Professional is often the preferred tool of project managers who find themselves having to oversee multiple projects. Its detailed functionality makes it the perfect solution for those who need to manage the smallest details of a project. If you find yourself in the gray area of the MS Project vs. Project Professional debate, it can be best to err on the side of caution and opt for Professional, as Professional is sure to cover all of your needs.
At Certstaffix Training, we know that understanding Microsoft Project Professional requires more than a simple answer to, "What is Microsoft Office?" Project Professional is a highly specialized piece of software that provides project managers with a litany of tools to perform high-quality work. Before diving into Project Professional, however, it can be a good idea to learn the basics of Microsoft Project. That's why we offer Microsoft Project courses that can introduce students to the complex features of the software or help them hone expert-level skills. Our classes are taught by a live instructor and can be conducted online or at your job site. Enroll today to start making your project management more efficient with MS Project!