This article takes a look at the recent release of Merlin 2.6.1 from ProjectWizards.
What is Merlin 2.6?
Merlin is an internet-based project management tool. It is known for being a Macintosh-based project management application. With version 2.6 the program allows users to publish their projects to the internet – making collaboration easier. ProjectWizards publishes the program. In addition to being Mac-friendly, this release promises increased stability, ease of use, and great overall performance. The program offers a free trial. A single user license if available for $225, and the web module is avialble for an additional $150. Volume discounts are available.
What does Merlin 2.6 do?
Merlin boasts many features to make project management a breeze for its users. Merlin offers ease and flexibility in planning by offering the following features:
- Allowing users to work from any perspective
- A search function that is context sensitive
- A library making Merlin an information warehouse
- A plan inspector that allows reduction of workspace clutter
- Collaboration
- Compatibility with a variety of platforms
- Sync capabilities with ICal
- Import and export features compatible with MS Project, Excel and XML
- A variety of reports and printouts
- Budgets with authorization workflow
- Project, phase and activity budgets
- Full costing engine
- Support for planned vs. actual cost
- Visual working hours definition
- Interactive Gantt chart
- Automatic time calculations
- Evaluation of project risks
- Easy management of deadlines and risks
The above list of features only scratches the surface of what Merlin can do. This program has compatibility available with:
- MS Entourage
- iCal
- MS Project
- Omni Outliner
- Quick Look
- Cocoa
- NovaMind
- Time Machine
- iChat
- MindManager
- AppleScript
- and Spaces.
Because of this compatibility, Merlin is a powerful project management tool reaches across many of the other project management tools already available. This compatiblity only adds to the ease of use this program boasts.
Who are the ProjectWizards?
ProjectWizards is a software company founded in 2002 by Frank Blome. They focus on the Macintosh platform for the project management software. Blome boasts over 15 years of project management experience in companies of all sizes. Merlin won MacWorld’s Editors’ Choice Award and IT Enquirer’s Golden Cube in 2007. It was the only project management software to do so. In addition to Merlin, the company offers other project management resources globally. These services include business consultation and Macintosh development expertise.
Screenshot courtesy of ProjectWizards
