MWSF: AEC previews FastTrack Schedule 8 for Mac OS X

AEC Software is previewing their upcoming native Mac OS X version of FastTrack Schedule, their project manager. Due to ship in the first quarter of the year, FastTrack Schedule 8 will sport an overhauled interface, as well as formatting and productivity designed to streamline organizing, tracking, and managing project details.

FastTrack Schedule 8 is a fully native Mac OS X version built to be “tightly Integrated” with Apple’s newest operating system, said Dennis Bilowus, CEO of AEC Software. The application takes full advantage of the performance enhancements in Mac OS X, as well as the “elegant” Aqua interface, he added. It will also feature an increased number of graphic formats through built-in QuickTime support.

FastTrack Schedule 8 also adds the ability to auto-format activity rows in accordance with their respective outline levels. This includes the formatting of text as well as row backgrounds. Customizing schedules with the use of color will also be more flexible with FastTrack Schedule 8. The new version takes advantage of the System Color Picker within Mac OS X to offer users an infinite number of color choices for elements such as rows, text, and bar styles.

Further enhancements to the application include Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), auto-outlining of tasks, and the ability to continuously display summary bars. FastTrack Schedule 8 will also ship with features to help users jump-start their projects, such as new example files, an increase number of bar styles, more FastSteps, and templates — even the ability to save current files as templates, Bilowus said.

In addition to the desktop version, AEC Software will also release a compatible handheld version for Palm OS. FastTrack Schedule 8 will be available for an estimated retail price of US$299. Until Feb. 15, users of FastTrack Schedule 7 can upgrade for prices starting at $99, a $30 savings from the regular upgrade price. Between Jan. 1-15, customers who purchase FastTrack Schedule 7 will be eligible for a free upgrade to FastTrack Schedule 8. Network Server Versions in five, 10, 25-user and custom configurations will also be available upon release. For details go to the product Web site.