Should I Use Project for the Web or Project Online?

Elena Humeniuk

PPM Consultant

Businesses in all industries understand the importance of providing their teams with resources to improve productivity and workflow. They also increasingly recognize that these groups require more than just list management. There can be lots of confusion regarding Microsoft products for project management since they offer multiple solutions. Microsoft Project Online and Project for the Web are famous project management products. This article provides a comparison of Project Online vs. Project for the Web, their benefits, and how to access them.  

Difference between Project Online and Project for the Web 

Project Online and Project for the Web are two different project management solutions offered by Microsoft. Project Online is more expensive, feature-rich, and complex, while Project for the Web is cheaper, more straightforward, and easier to use. Here are the main differences: 

• Features. Project Online offers many features like resource management, portfolio analysis, and reporting. Project for the Web, a simpler, more streamlined version of Project Online, provides basic project management features, such as task scheduling, progress tracking, and collaboration. 
• User experience. Project Online is more complex and has a steeper learning curve. Learning to use and make the most of the various features takes time and can be difficult for new users. Project for the Web is designed to be more straightforward, intuitive, and accessible. 
• Scalability. Project Online is designed for large enterprises and can handle complex projects with many moving parts. Project for the Web is designed for small businesses and teams and is better suited for lightweight projects. 

Project for the Web vs. Project Online – Benefits 

Both project management solutions come with their benefits.  

Project for the Web:  

• Is designed to be simple and intuitive.  
• Provides the essential features needed to manage projects, such as task scheduling, progress tracking, and collaboration.  
• Can be used in conjunction with other Office 365 tools.  
• Is Better suited for lightweight projects. 
• Roadmap Project for the Web is a new feature that gives you a better overview by allowing you to present projects in one simple bar chart.  

On the other hand, Project Online: 

• Provides powerful project management features, such as resource management, portfolio analysis, and reporting.  
• Integrates seamlessly with other Office 365 tools, such as SharePoint, Power BI, and Teams. 
• Allows you to manage multiple projects simultaneously. 
• Allows you to analyze data and get insights into your projects. 

How to Use Microsoft Project Online 

First, you’ll need to create a project by going to the Projects tab in the Project Online web app and clicking “New”. Then you can set goals and deadlines, assign tasks, and track progress. Once your project is set up, you can use the various features to manage it. The resource management feature allows you to assign resources to tasks, while the portfolio analysis feature gives you an overview of your projects. You can also use the reporting features to analyze data and get insights into your projects. 

Gantt Chart Microsoft Project Online 

Gantt chart is a valuable tool for managing complex projects and visualizing related tasks. To access the Gantt chart in Project Online, go to the Projects tab and click the “Gantt” button. You’ll then be able to view the Gantt chart and adjust it as needed. 

How to Access Project for the Web 

To access Project for the Web, simply go to the Microsoft Project for the Web website and sign in with your Office 365 account. Once you’ve signed in, you’ll be able to start creating projects and managing them. 

Project for the Web Portfolio 

Project for the Web also includes a portfolio feature, allowing you to see all your projects’ progress immediately. You can use it to create a roadmap, track progress, and get insights into your projects. 

Conclusion 

Project Online and Project for the Web are two project management solutions offered by Microsoft. While Project for the Web is cheaper and more straightforward, Project Online is more expensive and feature-rich.

Project for the Web offers many benefits, such as being straightforward and intuitive, but is better suited for simpler projects. It also provides the essential features needed to manage projects, such as task scheduling, progress tracking, and collaboration. 

If you’re looking for a project management solution, both systems are worth considering. The best choice for you will depend on your business size and unique needs.