Everything new for May is the motto we are following here at ProjectWizards. We not only launched our new web site and blog yesterday, but we also have two new products: Merlin 2.7 and Merlin Server have been officially released.

First, let’s keep it short and sweet regarding Merlin 2.7. Simply put, the most successful professional project management application for Mac has not only gotten better, but now provides integration with Merlin iPhone and the new Merlin Server. And last but definitely not least, Merlin Server marks the new age of collaborative project management for Mac users.

Who needs Merlin Server and what are its advantages?

For starters, project management is a team endeavour. Several individuals may work on a project in an effort to define the plan, navigate through its many activities and phases, and control its progress to successful conclusion. This can involve engagement anywhere from a small project team to the enterprise. For this reason, it becomes critical that everyone can access project files and be able to make changes and updates to any project without generating any conflicts. Addressing this need, in providing a centralized and secure collaborative team environment, is where Merlin Server truly shines.

But that’s just the beginning of what Merlin Server can deliver. For example, providing direct access to project files across the Web, so remote-based teams and other colleagues can easily collaborate with one another (especially handy for Windows-based users who can work on a Merlin project via a supported web browser). Merlin Server also enables iPhone connections to project files. In short, project management has truly gone mobile. Single licenses are bundled with Merlin Server to provide Web-Sharing and iPhone Sharing. One can also purchase these optional modules separately. Merlin 2 Web-Sharing is US$140 (provides 10 concurrent connections) and Merlin 2 iPhone sharing is US$65 (for one iPhone).

When comparing Merlin Server to other project management server solutions, one advantage becomes clear: The Price! A comparable server-based solution offering only a portion of the functionality built into Merlin can still easily run in price several degrees of magnitude higher. We contend that paying a higher price for less functionality, especially in these times, is no longer a path you need to follow. Merlin Server will deliver at a fraction of the cost a superior user experience, thanks to the polished Mac user interface. All the functionality a professional project manager requires for resource, activity and cost and budgeting management along with a truly collaborative environment such that one can access a project from literally anywhere, at anytime, is the magic Merlin provides.

And let’s not forget how easy it is to use Merlin Server. No complex server configurations or installation necessary. In fact, all it takes is installing with a few clicks and then accessing Merlin Server as a Mac OS X System Preference Pane. From here, one can quickly enable all project sharing services, manage all project files from a single centralized location, and with a literal flip of a switch, turn Merlin Server on or off. Whereas other server-based solutions may require complex and costly server installation and configuration work done by an Administrator or external service provider, one will find themselves completing installation and configuration of Merlin Server in a few minutes.

To recap: Teams of all sizes, whether an entire enterprise or small group, located anywhere, can now manage and work on their projects even better in a truly collaborative environment with Merlin Server.

To learn more about Merlin Server, please visit the Product Page and download the Merlin Server QuickStart Guide.