📝 Microsoft Project 2021 Professional: Executive Summary

Microsoft Project 2021 Professional is the advanced, on-premises desktop application designed for project managers, Program Management Offices (PMOs), and teams managing complex, multi-project portfolios that require centralized resource control and seamless integration with Microsoft enterprise solutions. It is a one-time purchase (perpetual license) version of the software, built for high-level efficiency and strategic decision-making.

✨ Key Features & Advanced Capabilities

The Professional edition includes all the core scheduling tools found in the Standard version, plus powerful features for enterprise-wide control and collaboration:

• Advanced Scheduling and Portfolio Management:
  • Utilizes Critical Path Analysis and allows for interdependent project scheduling to manage complex programs.
  • Features Multiple Timelines for a clear, high-level overview of complex schedules for executive communication.
  • Offers Portfolio Management tools to help prioritize projects and align them with organizational strategic goals.
• Enterprise Resource Management:
  • Enables Resource Pooling to create a shared pool of workers and equipment that can be allocated across multiple project files.
  • Features the Team Planner view for visual workload balancing and identifying conflicts organization-wide.
  • Supports Resource Engagements, allowing project managers to formally request, negotiate, and commit specific resource time from a resource manager.
• Collaboration and Connectivity:
  • Provides the essential ability to Synchronize with Microsoft Project Server and Project Online for centralized data management and team access.
  • Includes a Timesheet feature for team members to submit hours spent on both project tasks and administrative work, supporting payroll and costing.
  • Features enhanced integration with Microsoft Teams and SharePoint for real-time file sharing and communication, promoting fluid work management.
• Reporting and Analytics:
  • Generates Advanced, Customizable Reports and dashboards that offer deep insights into resource utilization, project costs, and performance against baselines for executive review.
  • Includes a New “Task Summary Name” field and a refreshed user interface (UI) with updated icons, aligning its look with the latest Office 2021 suite.
  • Offers improved accessibility with enhanced keyboard and screen reader support.

💻 System Requirements

To install and run Microsoft Project 2021 Professional, your PC must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Operating System: Windows 10 or later.
• Processor: 1.6 GHz or faster, 2-core.
• Memory (RAM): 4 GB RAM (2 GB RAM for 32-bit).
• Hard Disk Space: 4.0 GB available disk space.
• Display: 1280 x 768 screen resolution.