It may not have the horsepower of Primavera, but Microsoft project management software gets the job done for small and midsize project-management applications. Its performance however, is not due to the program's complexity. Its ease of use and familiar interface make learning the solution simple for most basic computer users.

That, at least, is the experience of Darren Cyr, who is involved in process-related projects at Suncor Energy, a Calgary, Alberta-based oil and gas company. "It is a user-friendly, popular scheduling tool that is very useful on small to midsize projects that have less sophisticated requirements than larger projects," he said. "Primavera is usually selected instead of Microsoft Project on major projects that I have worked on, but Microsoft Project is easier for more novice users and for simpler project scheduling."

Cyr further explained that Microsoft Project's seamless integration with other Microsoft applications, such as Word and Excel, facilitates the software training and the vendor's product documentation is helpful for even the most novice computer user.

Cyr gave Microsoft Project management software a 7 out of 10 rating.