Is Microsoft Project for the Web Worth Your Time? A Deep Dive Review
I recently spent a ton of time getting to know Microsoft Project for the Web, and let me tell you, it’s a mixed bag. I’ve been using project management tools for years, and I’ve seen a lot of changes in the landscape. So, I wanted to share my honest thoughts on this new kid on the block and if it’s a true contender in the cloud PM space.
First Impressions: A Cloud-Based Spin on a Classic
Microsoft Project for the Web is Microsoft’s attempt at bringing their classic project management software into the cloud. It’s a simplified version of the desktop application, focusing on basic project planning, task management, and some basic reporting. You can quickly create projects, assign tasks to team members, and even set up Kanban boards for an agile approach.
The Good Stuff: What Project for the Web Does Well
- Easy Resource Assignment: If your team is already using Microsoft 365, assigning tasks is a breeze. You can just pick team members from the list, which is super convenient.
- Drag-and-Drop Timeline: Building timelines is a snap thanks to the drag-and-drop functionality. You can easily move tasks around and visualize project progress.
- Conditional Formatting: Love the ability to highlight important fields to quickly identify priority tasks or potential issues.
The Not-So-Good Stuff: Where Project for the Web Falls Short
- Missing Features: It’s still under development, so it lacks some key features you might find in other project management tools. For example, there’s no support for generic resources, and the time-tracking functionality is pretty basic.
- Reliant on Other Products: Project for the Web doesn't stand alone. You really need Microsoft Teams for communication and Power BI for robust reporting, which adds to the cost.
- New User Experience: The onboarding experience was a bit of a headache. It took a while to get set up, and there wasn't a lot of guidance to help me get started.
Is Project for the Web Right for You?
Think of it this way:
Project for the Web is a good fit for:
- Teams already using Microsoft 365: If you’re already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem, this tool can seamlessly integrate with your existing workflows.
- Simple project planning: If your projects are relatively straightforward and don’t require complex resource management or time tracking, Project for the Web can get the job done.
- Agile methodologies: You can use the Kanban boards to track tasks and progress in an agile way.
However, if you…
- Hate MS Teams: If you’re not a fan of Teams, you’ll have to rethink Project for the Web because it’s the only way to communicate within tasks.
- Need advanced resource management: If you need to track costs, assign generic resources (like equipment), or manage complex team schedules, you'll need to look elsewhere.
- Work with lots of approvals: This tool doesn’t have a built-in approvals system, so you’ll need to figure out a workaround.
The Bottom Line: Potential, but Not Yet a Leader
Project for the Web shows a lot of promise, but it's not quite ready to challenge the top contenders in the project management space. It’s still a bit rough around the edges, and the reliance on other Microsoft tools can be a drawback for some teams.
- If you’re already deep in the Microsoft 365 world, give it a try! The integration might be worth it.
- If you’re open to new tools, explore other options. There are plenty of other great project management tools out there.
I’m excited to see how Project for the Web evolves in the future. For now, keep an open mind and don’t be afraid to experiment!
Let me know what you think of Microsoft Project for the Web – I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!