Microsoft Project Professional 2010 vs. Microsoft Project Standard 2010

Attribute	Microsoft Project Professional 2010	Microsoft Project Standard 2010
Price	Higher	Lower
Resource Management	Advanced	Basic
Portfolio Management	Advanced	Basic
Team Collaboration	Advanced	Basic
Customizable Reports	Extensive	Basic
Integration with other Microsoft tools	Seamless	Limited
Multiple Project Management	Advanced	Basic
Task Dependencies	Advanced	Basic
Timeline View	Advanced	Basic

Introduction

Microsoft Project is a powerful project management software that helps individuals and teams plan, track, and manage projects effectively. Two popular versions of Microsoft Project are Project Professional 2010 and Project Standard 2010. While both versions offer essential project management features, they differ in terms of functionality, collaboration capabilities, and pricing.

Functionality

Microsoft Project Professional 2010 is the more advanced version, offering a broader range of features compared to Project Standard 2010. Professional 2010 includes features such as resource leveling, which helps balance workloads across team members, and the ability to create and manage complex project schedules. It also provides advanced reporting and analysis tools, allowing project managers to gain deeper insights into project performance and make data-driven decisions.

On the other hand, Microsoft Project Standard 2010 offers a more basic set of features suitable for smaller projects or individuals who require less complexity. It allows users to create and manage project schedules, assign tasks, and track progress. While it lacks some of the advanced features found in Professional 2010, it still provides essential project management capabilities for many users.

Collaboration Capabilities

When it comes to collaboration, Microsoft Project Professional 2010 has an edge over Project Standard 2010. Professional 2010 allows for seamless collaboration with team members through features like SharePoint integration, which enables real-time document sharing and version control. It also offers enhanced communication tools, such as team member status updates and the ability to create and share project-related discussions.

On the other hand, Project Standard 2010 lacks the advanced collaboration features found in Professional 2010. While it still allows users to share project files and communicate with team members, it does not offer the same level of integration and real-time collaboration capabilities.

Pricing

Another important consideration when choosing between Microsoft Project Professional 2010 and Project Standard 2010 is pricing. Professional 2010 is typically priced higher than Standard 2010 due to its advanced features and collaboration capabilities. The higher price reflects the additional functionality and value it provides to project managers and teams working on complex projects.

Project Standard 2010, on the other hand, offers a more affordable option for individuals or smaller teams who do not require the advanced features and collaboration capabilities of Professional 2010. It provides a cost-effective solution for basic project management needs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Microsoft Project Professional 2010 and Project Standard 2010 are powerful project management tools, but they differ in terms of functionality, collaboration capabilities, and pricing. Professional 2010 offers a broader range of features, advanced reporting and analysis tools, and enhanced collaboration capabilities through SharePoint integration. However, it comes at a higher price point. On the other hand, Standard 2010 provides essential project management capabilities at a more affordable price, making it suitable for smaller projects or individuals with simpler requirements. Ultimately, the choice between the two versions depends on the specific needs and budget of the project manager or team.