Microsoft Project provides business owners and managers with specialized tools necessary for planning, controlling and monitoring a business enterprise. The software is part of the Microsoft Office product group and is marketed in standard and professional divisions. The product is the premier software package for project or enterprise management.

Common features and functions of Microsoft Project include creating business plans, creating and monitoring budgets, creating diagrams of business structures, documenting and monitoring the flow of materials and producing reports.

Managers use the software to communicate schedules, staff responsibilities and budget responsibilities to their staff and any others needing the information. More importantly, the software makes individuals within the business organization responsible for accomplishing defined tasks. The diagrams, charts and documents produced by Microsoft Project indicate what tasks are necessary and who is responsible. More can be accomplished when tasks are defined and responsibilities are assigned.

Along with task accountability, Microsoft Project offers financial responsibility by monitoring project budgets.

Microsoft Project is limited to use by businesses and government. Vary seldom do home computer users utilize the Project packages functions although it can be useful in volunteer organizations.

Recent upgrades to Microsoft Project include the ability for multiple users to collaborate on project planning and management. The software uses a similar interface as the other Microsoft Office products producing an easier learning curve for first time users.

Microsoft Project is marketed online by Microsoft and other retail and online vendors. Support is offered through the vendor’s website with some additional tutorials and support available from other vendors. It is supported in Spanish, Japanese and English languages. It operates only on the Windows platform.