Microsoft Project Server Reviews

Name: Microsoft Project Server
Brand: Microsoft
Rating: 4.0 (59 reviews)

Vendor: Microsoft

4.0 out of 5

59 reviews
86% willing to recommend

1,320 followers

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What is Microsoft Project Server?

Microsoft Project Server 2013 is a flexible on-premises solution for project portfolio management (PPM) and everyday work. Team members, project participants, and business decision makers can get started, prioritize project portfolio investments and deliver the intended business value from virtually anywhere. Requires SharePoint 2013, sold separately.

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Microsoft Project Server is the #5 ranked solution in top Project Portfolio Management solutions. PeerSpot users give Microsoft Project Server an average rating of 8.0 out of 10. Based on the analysis of the 59 most recent Microsoft Project Server reviews, the overall sentiment is positive, with a sentiment score of 7.1. (Among the highest in the category). Microsoft Project Server is most commonly compared to Jira: Microsoft Project Server vs Jira. Microsoft Project Server is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 68% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 13% of all views.

Buyer's Guide

Microsoft Project Server

November 2024

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Featured reviews

Hariharan Mahadevan

Program Director at Tata Consultancy

My clients use Microsoft Project Server since it is very useful and helpful, making their jobs and lives easier. It is particularly effective for program managers and is currently being used in my project Microsoft Project Server makes everything easier by providing a helpful and useful tool that…

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Mahesh Seenu

Senior Manager - Projects at Xebia Group companies

For scheduling and resource management of our company's projects, we use JIRA and Microsoft Project Server. The reporting and analytics part of the product is very good. The integration capability of Microsoft Project Server is phenomenal, and it serves as one of the reasons why the product has been holding up in a good way till now in the market. For certain use cases, Microsoft Project Server is a good product. I would recommend the product to others who plan to use it since it is good when it comes to analytics and reporting. The value or positive impact of the use of the product stems from the fact that it degrees with other products like Office 365 and other Microsoft solutions. Microsoft Project Server has been in the market for a long time. Over a period of time, I have seen a lot of features introduced in Microsoft Project Server. I believe that the product still has room for improvement. I rate the overall tool an eight out of ten.

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Mouloud Fourali

Project Manager at Digital Research Alliance of Canada

I use Microsoft Project for project planning across various initiatives. It is the go-to solution for organizations to plan projects, manage sequences of execution, dependencies, and timelines through an end-to-end lifecycle process Time-saving for me as a project manager and enhances visibility…

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Microsoft Project Server mindshare

As of November 2024, the mindshare of Microsoft Project Server in the Project Portfolio Management category stands at 8.3%, down from 8.9% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Project Portfolio Management

Key learnings from peers

Last updated Nov 18, 2024

Valuable Features

Key features of Microsoft Project Server include advanced resource allocation and management, seamless integration with SharePoint and Excel for collaboration, powerful scheduling and Gantt chart functionalities, and effective portfolio management. Its ease of use, stability, and adaptability make it user-friendly, allowing effortless project data consolidation and accessibility. The tool provides robust reporting, dependency management, and customization capabilities, supporting various project management methodologies. Users appreciate its scalability and integration with Microsoft tools, enhancing business analytics and project tracking.

"Microsoft Project Server is a powerful tool I've used for years."
"The level of customization is significant, and there are ample resources available online about how to use it."
"The dependency management in Microsoft Project is highly valuable, as it visually maps dependencies and impacts within a project plan."

Room for Improvement

Microsoft Project Server has several areas for enhancement including easier transitions for new portfolios, improved integration with other systems, and more user-friendly interfaces. Collaboration and reporting tools need more flexibility and customization. Stability and performance require attention, especially in large-scale implementations. Enhancements in resource management, permission management, and integration with tools like Teams or Power BI are needed. There is demand for more interactive guides, better multilingual support, and more agile features to improve usability and support.

"The reporting in the desktop version is not highly customizable or professional compared to other solutions."
"The reporting in the desktop version is not highly customizable or professional compared to other solutions."
"Exporting data from Microsoft Project, especially Gantt charts, is overly complex and not user-friendly."

ROI

Users report various experiences with ROI from Microsoft Project Server. Some companies see ROI within 1-1.5 years if existing processes are present, while others indicate a three-year timeframe. Several users mention it delivers good returns due to time savings, enhanced visibility, and real-time reporting. Organizations in non-commercial sectors like government measure ROI through efficiency rather than financial gains. The solution's market dominance compels some entities to use it, complicating direct ROI assessment.

Pricing

Enterprise buyers note Microsoft Project Server pricing varies based on deployment (on-premise or online) and features required. Licensing models include annual fees and subscription-based options. While pricing is considered high, it's competitive, especially when compared to solutions like Broadcom's Clarity. Cost-effectiveness varies with enterprise agreements offering better value. Additional expenses may arise from SQL and Windows Server licenses, maintenance, and collaboration tools. Careful scoping can optimize costs, making it a suitable investment for larger organizations.

"We have an enterprise agreement with Microsoft, and our licensing is based on the agreement."
"The product is expensive."
"A standard license is cheaper, but if you want more features, then there is a premium license or professional license."

Popular Use Cases

Organizations primarily use Microsoft Project Server for project management, scheduling, resource management, and portfolio tracking. They deploy it to manage hardware and software projects, track project progress, and ensure timely delivery within budget constraints. It serves as a central platform for planning, executing, and monitoring project lifecycles, assisting users in task management, financial reporting, and resource allocation. It also facilitates project status visibility, documentation control, and integration with tools like Dynamics 365 for enhanced project oversight.

Service and Support

Microsoft Project Server's customer service receives mixed ratings, typically around seven out of ten, with some users finding it inconsistent. Technical support is generally regarded as good, scoring 8/10 frequently. Users appreciate fast responses, although some report slow resolutions and repeated questions. The available support is extensive, with multiple partners offering assistance, making it easy to find help. Documentation is rated highly, yet complex navigation challenges users, occasionally leading them to external resources for solutions.

Deployment

Many found Microsoft Project Server's initial setup complex, particularly when lacking familiarity or customization is needed. While some rated it straightforward, complexity varied based on user expertise, company needs, and the nature of hybrid setups. Documentation and training could be lacking, extending deployment time. Minimal setups were reported, yet larger deployments often required dedicated teams, taking anywhere from a few days to several months. Knowledge and familiarity significantly influenced ease.

Scalability

Microsoft Project Server is generally considered scalable, with many users reporting successful management of numerous projects and users. Some older versions experienced limitations, but current iterations appear to support significant growth. Cloud-based versions are favored for better scalability beyond on-prem solutions. While some found it lacking in performance under heavy load, others appreciated its capability in handling medium to large environments efficiently. It’s seen as a scalable choice for various organizations.

Stability

Microsoft Project Server is generally stable with reliable performance, especially in newer versions. Users report no crashes or freezes, though issues can arise under heavy loads or with SharePoint integrations. Some experience lag or bugs, particularly in older versions, while well-configured systems are more stable. Cloud versions tend to offer better stability. Ratings for stability range from high to moderate, with some users giving Microsoft Project Server a perfect score in this area.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our Microsoft Project Server Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.