FastTrack Schedule 8 is here — and Mac OS X compatible

AEC Software has simultaneously released FastTrack Schedule 8 for Mac OS X and a compatible handheld version, FastTrack Schedule 8 for Palm OS.

FastTrack Schedule 8, previewed in January at Macworld Expo, 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 also features an increased number of graphic formats through built-in QuickTime support.

The accessibility and functionality of the entire FastTrack Schedule interface has been improved. Menus now have a more intuitive Office-like structure, dialogs have been reengineered for easier navigation and toolbars have a crisper, cleaner look, Bilowus said.

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 also has features designed 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 also released a compatible handheld version for the Palm OS. FastTrack Schedule 8 for Palm OS enables users to view multiple schedules, add or edit project information, beam schedules to other Palm devices, and sync schedules directly with the Mac OS X desktop version of FastTrack Schedule 8. The new mobile version offers improved syncing and supports the new Mac OS X Palm Desktop software 4.0 and HotSync Manager, Bilowus said.

Trial versions of FastTrack Schedule 8 and FastTrack Schedule 8 for Palm OS are available at the AEC Software Web site. FastTrack Schedule 8 is available for an estimated retail price of US$299. Upgrades from previous versions of FastTrack Schedule start at US $129. If you bought FastTrack Schedule 7 after Dec. 31, 2001, you’re eligible for a free upgrade. FastTrack Schedule is also available in 5-user, 10-user, 25-user and custom-configured network server versions.

FastTrack Schedule 8 for Palm OS is available for an estimated street price of $99. Upgrades for registered users of earlier version are available for $29. These offers are available directly from AEC Software.