Merlin is the only native network-based collaborative Project Management solution for Mac OS X.
This version offers many features propelling Merlin to the top of Mac OS X professional project management software.
Here are some of the main highlights in Merlin 2:
- Merlin has now a Web module which is included in this version of Merlin.
- Merlin now supports special OS X 10.7 features like full screen and restoring last edited files.
- Network-based Collaborative Project Management
Collaborate with others on the same project file over the LAN or WAN with a single mouse click.
- Access Control for Users and User Groups
Resources can be either single Users or grouped into Resource Groups both of which can be assigned to activities and/or given specific access rights.
- Dynamic Planning Mode
Activities which haven't started yet can be automatically moved to the current date. This is great news for devotees of Agile Project Management.
- Bi-directional Synchronization with iCal
Changes in Merlin are reflected in iCal and vice versa. You can also sync specific resources in a separate calendar.
- Enhanced Financial and Cost Models
You can now compare planned vs. actual costs with the ability to determine accruals per cost entry.
Again, I cannot say I know this progam inside out. However, I have a couple of buddies who constantly work with this applications, and they told me it is one of the best applications of its type available on the market. Its major advantages are the wide use of visualization and mapping. Other than that, it fulfills all the functions that an average server program should. That, and a very modest price for a program of its kind, makes Merlin a very nice application to have.