In the project and portfolio management category, Microsoft Project Server and Planview Daptiv are prominent solutions. Microsoft Project Server appears to have the upper hand due to its seamless integration with Microsoft applications, making it well-suited for organizations within the Microsoft ecosystem.
Features: Microsoft Project Server provides comprehensive resource allocation, global visibility, and project data aggregation within a single platform. Users find it adaptable and easy to use, particularly with Microsoft tools such as Excel. Integration with SharePoint enhances collaboration. Planview Daptiv is known for its strong portfolio management capabilities, strategic project linking, and robust reporting features. Its graphical scheduling and collaboration tools are also highly valued.
Room for Improvement: Microsoft Project Server could benefit from better resource allocation algorithms, improved system integration, and more flexible reporting options. The on-premises version requires a more streamlined deployment and enhanced collaboration features. Planview Daptiv needs to refine features like reporting and capacity planning. An undo feature could significantly improve user experience.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Microsoft Project Server offers diverse deployment options, including on-premises and hybrid cloud, which introduce complexity and often require substantial IT involvement. Customer service experiences vary, reflecting inconsistencies in technical support efficiency. Planview Daptiv's private and public cloud options facilitate simpler deployment, with consistently favorable customer support ratings, although response time variability is noted.
Pricing and ROI: Microsoft Project Server is considered expensive, especially for smaller businesses, due to complex licensing tied to roles and infrastructure needs. While users acknowledge high costs, they justify it with the solution's robust features. Planview Daptiv, with lower costs structured around annual licenses based on user roles, offers a flexible and scalable model. Many users find Daptiv more cost-effective compared to standalone project software, delivering positive ROI, particularly for cloud-focused organizations.
It's challenging to navigate, often making it necessary to search for solutions externally.
Communication with two people, one was knowledgeable while the other was learning.
Exporting data from Microsoft Project, especially Gantt charts, is overly complex and not user-friendly.
The lack of collaboration capabilities on the desktop version, unlike the cloud version, is a limitation.
The desktop version does not have scalability.
Microsoft's products are expensive for individuals.
The pricing for Microsoft Project is fair, considering it is ahead of competitors and offers a comprehensive suite of features.
I have never had to reach out to their support because the product works as expected.
The Gantt chart is also a very powerful tool for a visual presentation of sequences, critical paths, and execution processes, which simplifies comprehension for users.
The level of customization is significant, and there are ample resources available online about how to use it.
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