Merlin 2.0.3 , from Project Wizards , is projection management software that is not only as dependable as its Windows contender , Microsoft Project , but much better . Merlin 2 contain the fantabulous foundation provided by the initial adaptation of the software package ( ) and evolve it into the variety of intuitive course of study that leverage the effective features the Mac has to offer . This includes pie-eyed integration with iCal and Address Book , which can help you keep all of your info up - to - day of the month . From its opening screenland right down to the minute detail within a budget , the previous interlingual rendition of Merlin has been refined to a high-pitched polish .

People who are unfamiliar with task - direction software can encounter the user interface of many products in this space daunting to habituate at first ; not so with Merlin . Merlin organise all of its functionality in a individual window , with side panels that supply options relate to your chore . These side control board allow you to , for example , make a basic Gantt schedule quickly and add associated details to each activeness , include relevant file , resources , to - do list , notes , budget , drug-addicted activities , and risk assessments .

Merlin also works as a content - management system , allowing you to keep versions of the document you make , track authors , and even share your document with squad appendage via e - post . The program also supports a large number of data formatting for importing and exporting project information .

The only downside to Merlin continues to be its unfitness to easy publish undertaking information to the Web . While you may use the export role to create entanglement sites , you still must use third - company FTP software to upload the file that Merlin exportation ; there is no way to mechanically refresh your undertaking data on a regular basis unless you are willing to script it yourself in AppleScript .

Macworld’s buying advice

A great patch of software system feels lifelike to use and turns even the most - complex tasks into an easy managed process , nominate you feel as though the program knows exactly what you need and when you need it . Merlin 2.0.3 has almost gain that level of comfort of use and mundanity for project direction . Whether you ’re a undertaking manager or are responsible for oversee the activities of a stave of workers , Merlin can help oneself you relieve metre and increase the efficiency of your business . This is peculiarly true if you ’re managing a Mac office . Although the programme miss the ability to quickly publish projects over a web or to the vane , if that feature is added to a next version , this programme will prove to be an indispensable asset .

[ Jason Cranford Teague is the Creative Director for AOLREDand the source of several Book about data processor pattern . Jason regularly rants about technology and refinement onhis blog . ]