Remember the days when you could just download a trial version of Microsoft Project Standard or Professional and dive right in? It seems like a while ago now, doesn't it? Microsoft has shifted its strategy, and if you're looking for a trial of the desktop client, you'll find that the older versions (2010, 2013, 2016) are no longer offered for download. It's a bit of a change, and I recall a time when these were readily available for anyone wanting to test the waters.
So, what's the current landscape for trying out Microsoft Project? The focus has very much moved to the cloud. If you're interested in the desktop experience, the latest version available is Project 2021, and you can find download links for that. But for those looking to explore the modern, cloud-based project management tools, that's where the real action is.
Microsoft Project Plan 3, which used to be known as Project Online Professional, is a great option. It gives you the click-to-run desktop client alongside a browser license, and you can typically test it out for a month. Then there's Project Plan 1, which is essentially Project for the Web. This is Microsoft's newest cloud offering, built on the robust Microsoft Power Platform – think PowerApps, Power Automate, Power BI, and Dataverse. It’s a streamlined way to manage projects in the cloud.
When it comes to Project Server and its cloud counterpart, Project Online, things are a bit different. The latest on-premises version is Project Server Subscription Edition. However, Microsoft strongly recommends working with a certified Microsoft Partner for testing these solutions. They can guide you through the various options and ensure your trial is as insightful as possible. Interestingly, direct downloads for trial versions of Project Server 2013, 2016, and 2019 are no longer available. The cloud versions, like Project Plan 5 (formerly Project Online Premium), offer a comprehensive suite for project and portfolio management, and you can usually find trial options for these as well.
For companies with more than 20 employees, there's even an option to request a Project Online or "Project for the Web" trial directly from TPG. This often includes a personalized online session to showcase the solution's capabilities and how it might fit into your workflow. It’s a more hands-on approach, which can be incredibly valuable.
It’s worth noting that while the focus is on cloud trials, updates for older desktop versions like Project 2016 and 2013 are still available through the Microsoft Download Center, though these are typically for the MSI-based editions and not the Click-to-Run versions found in Microsoft 365. For Project Server 2013, cumulative updates are also available, ensuring that even older on-premises installations can be kept up-to-date.
Ultimately, if you're keen to try Microsoft Project today, your best bet is to explore the cloud-based offerings. They're continuously updated and offer flexible subscription models, often with a trial period to help you decide if they're the right fit for your project management needs.
