Improves reporting, MS Project integration, more

Despite being numbered like a minor bugfix release, the new version of RationalPlan, v3.21, makes a number of important changes and improvements, including better reporting capabilities, direct browser management of projects (using RationalPlan Project Server), more undo and re-do actions, improved Microsoft Project integration, the addition of a Dutch localization and more.

RationalPlan is positioned as an alternative to Microsoft Project, but with more features -- such as multiple project management, an ability to share resources, e-mail integration and the option of concurrent access to a central data repository with a server version. One of the most important features in the new version when working with RationalPlan Project Server is the ability to launch the multi-project version directly through the browser rather than having to install it on each user's computer.

Also changed in this version is the ability to add colors for taks for tables, UTF-8 support for the server, the ability to reset passwords in the server, improved dependencies rendering, and adding descriptions to iCalendar items when sending e-mails. Almost any view in the program can be printed or exported to PDF, but v3.21 has added pre-set reports like project status, working calendars that can now be easily printed.

RationalPlan is available as a suite or as individual programs, including RationalPlan Single Project, RationalPlan MultiProject, a free RationalPlan Project Viewer and the aforementioned server version. All are available for Mac, Windows and Linux. The Mac version requires OS X 10.4 or higher, and Java Runtime Environment 1.5 or higher. Licenses start at $57 for Single Project and $98 for Multi Project.

by MacNN Staff