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Asana vs. IBM Engineering Lifecycle Management vs. Microsoft Project

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    Overview
    ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price

    Asana

    Score8.5 out of 10
    N/AAsana is a web and mobile project management app. With tasks, projects, conversations, and dashboards, Asana lets an entire team know who's doing what by when, enabling workload balancing. Users can also add integrations for GANTT charts, time tracking and more.

    $13.49

    per month per user

    IBM Engineering Lifecycle Management

    Score5 out of 10
    N/AIBM Engineering Lifecycle Management (ELM) is an integrated suite for managing requirements, engineering work, system and software models, and verification activities across complex product-development programs. It is used by systems engineers, software teams, test organizations, project managers, and compliance teams in industries such as automotive, aerospace and defense, medical devices, and public infrastructure.N/A

    Microsoft Project

    Score7.7 out of 10
    N/AMicrosoft Project is a project management software. It provides core PM functionality, including agile workflow support and resource management. Project can be deployed in the cloud or on-premise.

    $120

    per year per user

    Pricing
    AsanaIBM Engineering Lifecycle ManagementMicrosoft Project
    Editions & Modules
    Starter
    $13.49
    per month per user
    Advanced
    $30.49
    per month per user
    Enterprise
    Contact Sales
    Personal
    Free
    No answers on this topic
    Project Server
    $0
    Planner Plan 1
    $10
    per month per user
    Planner and Project Plan 3
    $30
    per month per user
    Planner and Project Plan 5
    $55
    per month per user
    Project Standard 2024
    $679.99
    one-time fee per installation
    Project Professional 2024
    $1,129.99
    one-time fee per installation
    Offerings
    Pricing Offerings
    AsanaIBM Engineering Lifecycle ManagementMicrosoft Project
    Free Trial
    YesNoYes
    Free/Freemium Version
    YesNoNo
    Premium Consulting/Integration Services
    YesNoNo
    Entry-level Setup FeeOptionalNo setup feeNo setup fee
    Additional DetailsA discount is offered for annual billing.—Plans are billed annually.
    More Pricing Information
    Community Pulse
    AsanaIBM Engineering Lifecycle ManagementMicrosoft Project
    Considered Multiple Products
    Asana
    Chose Asana
    Asana had more useful features, is a more mature product and a better interface than Microsoft Planner while Microsoft Project was harder for the average person to learn and hit the ground running due to it complexity making Asana that nice middle ground for most persons to …
    Incentivized
    Chose Asana
    Comparing to other not so complex project management solutions (which does not include Primavera, for example), Asana is way better due to the experience it provides to users and the alignment with the new trends of project management approaches such as Agile. Therefore, the …
    Incentivized
    Chose Asana
    I view Asana as a lightweight PM tool, more for task management and collaboration.
    Incentivized
    Chose Asana
    Asana is much simpler to use that Microsoft Project or Zoho Projects. Anyone can jump in and start using the software. There are also tutorial videos available on their website if you need any sort of clarification. You also can't beat free or low cost, depending on how many …
    Chose Asana
    Trello - great but a bit young. Good integration points. I think it could be a good too to integrate with. Some people enjoy the KanBan type view and Asana doesn't have that currently.
    Basecamp - more project manager focused but also a good integration point.
    JIRA - Better for …
    IBM
    No answer on this topic
    Microsoft
    Chose Microsoft Project
    It has many advantages over Asana. It's cheaper but can still give effective presentations. Sharing information is easy and the support is great.
    Incentivized
    Chose Microsoft Project
    MS project stands up over Asana because it is more formal. When you realize that you need to submit a proposal to a huge company or federal organization, you must use the most complete software to do that. In addition, MS Project helps to integrate costs and human resources in …
    Incentivized
    Chose Microsoft Project
    Better suited for everyone in the team due to an existing partnership with Microsoft for access to other software suite provided by them.
    Incentivized
    Chose Microsoft Project
    Microsoft Project had the strongest integrations and Gantt chart qualities. As a team that uses Outlook, Skype, DevOps and the Office Suite, it became clear that Project suited our needs best. Additionally, testing found that the user interface and security features pleased …
    Incentivized
    Chose Microsoft Project
    While many of the above tools are extremely well-versed, Microsoft Project's largest advantage comes from it being related to the largest business productivity company in the world. Project does have its sharing limitations - but regardless, offers one of the most robust tools …
    Incentivized
    Chose Microsoft Project
    I selected Microsoft project because we use many other Microsoft products. The advantage it has over competitors is the data visualization, which gives it a good return on investment. The project management tools are good, but other platforms have more features and integrations.
    Incentivized
    Chose Microsoft Project
    The strength it has is that it's the best complete solution for project planning. I would choose Microsoft Project over cloud solutions only if the requirements specify self-hosted solutions or that it allows integration with the AD and other corporate tools. But be prepared to …
    Incentivized
    Key User Insights
    Would buy again
    88%
    Would buy again
    98 Answers
    78%
    Would buy again
    7 Answers
    87%
    Would buy again
    41 Answers
    Delivers good value for the price
    93%
    Delivers good value for the price
    86 Answers
    88%
    Delivers good value for the price
    7 Answers
    98%
    Delivers good value for the price
    42 Answers
    Happy with the feature set
    96%
    Happy with the feature set
    107 Answers
    89%
    Happy with the feature set
    8 Answers
    94%
    Happy with the feature set
    44 Answers
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    92%
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    72 Answers
    100%
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    5 Answers
    100%
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    34 Answers
    Implementation went as expected
    94%
    Implementation went as expected
    78 Answers
    86%
    Implementation went as expected
    6 Answers
    89%
    Implementation went as expected
    34 Answers
    Features
    AsanaIBM Engineering Lifecycle ManagementMicrosoft Project
    Project Management
    Comparison of Project Management features of Asana and IBM Engineering Lifecycle Management and Microsoft Project
    Feature
    Asana
    8.5
    179 Ratings
    10% above category average
    IBM Engineering Lifecycle Management
    -
    Ratings
    Microsoft Project
    8.0
    111 Ratings
    4% above category average
    Task Management9.2179 Ratings00 Ratings8.2110 Ratings
    Resource Management8.1152 Ratings00 Ratings7.7107 Ratings
    Gantt Charts9.261 Ratings00 Ratings9.0107 Ratings
    Scheduling8.3162 Ratings00 Ratings8.5109 Ratings
    Workflow Automation9.3132 Ratings00 Ratings10.083 Ratings
    Team Collaboration9.4178 Ratings00 Ratings7.298 Ratings
    Support for Agile Methodology8.57 Ratings00 Ratings4.383 Ratings
    Support for Waterfall Methodology8.57 Ratings00 Ratings7.883 Ratings
    Document Management8.7150 Ratings00 Ratings9.077 Ratings
    Email integration8.8142 Ratings00 Ratings5.082 Ratings
    Mobile Access8.8149 Ratings00 Ratings10.067 Ratings
    Timesheet Tracking6.16 Ratings00 Ratings10.073 Ratings
    Change request and Case Management8.44 Ratings00 Ratings7.364 Ratings
    Budget and Expense Management7.377 Ratings00 Ratings7.486 Ratings
    Professional Services Automation
    Comparison of Professional Services Automation features of Asana and IBM Engineering Lifecycle Management and Microsoft Project
    Feature
    Asana
    6.7
    48 Ratings
    14% below category average
    IBM Engineering Lifecycle Management
    -
    Ratings
    Microsoft Project
    8.6
    79 Ratings
    11% above category average
    Project & financial reporting5.51 Ratings00 Ratings7.276 Ratings
    Integration with accounting software8.047 Ratings00 Ratings10.050 Ratings
    Quotes/estimates00 Ratings00 Ratings7.355 Ratings
    Invoicing00 Ratings00 Ratings10.045 Ratings
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    AsanaIBM Engineering Lifecycle ManagementMicrosoft Project
    Small Businesses
    Any.do
    Score8 out of 10
    Polarion ALM
    Score10 out of 10
    Any.do
    Score8 out of 10
    Medium-sized Companies
    KanbanFlow
    Score7.3 out of 10
    PTC Windchill RV&S
    Score2 out of 10
    KanbanFlow
    Score7.3 out of 10
    Enterprises
    Microsoft To Do
    Score7.9 out of 10
    Polarion ALM
    Score10 out of 10
    Microsoft To Do
    Score7.9 out of 10
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    User Ratings
    AsanaIBM Engineering Lifecycle ManagementMicrosoft Project
    Likelihood to Recommend
    9.1
    (209 ratings)
    3.0
    (22 ratings)
    8.2
    (111 ratings)
    Likelihood to Renew
    9.6
    (34 ratings)
    8.0
    (6 ratings)
    10.0
    (3 ratings)
    Usability
    8.8
    (37 ratings)
    4.0
    (5 ratings)
    8.8
    (9 ratings)
    Availability
    8.4
    (2 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Support Rating
    5.0
    (42 ratings)
    5.0
    (3 ratings)
    8.2
    (34 ratings)
    Implementation Rating
    -
    (0 ratings)
    10.0
    (1 ratings)
    5.0
    (1 ratings)
    Product Scalability
    8.2
    (1 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    User Testimonials
    AsanaIBM Engineering Lifecycle ManagementMicrosoft Project
    Likelihood to Recommend
    Asana
    The usability of Asana is broad since it's available in a variety of platforms that are widely used nowadays. I think that it would be great for people who are constantly on the move and switching devices, since it has allowed me to work from my phone, too. I also think that Asana has proven itself to handle a large quantity of work
    Read full review
    IBM
    The software is robust enough to handle highly complex software development or other product development and can be used well beyond the range to do what a client needs. However, because of the inability to hold its users to proper best practices, things can get wildly out of hand and cascade over the years, creating unnecessary technical debt. The system has a lot of usable features, but they don't funnel users toward the correct processes and practices.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Microsoft
    Microsoft Project Online is suited to Turnkey Projects where more Collaboration is required in Project Progress monitoring, risk assessment and conveying, issue recording and tracking. It is less appropriate when ERP Suites other than MS Dynamics are used, i.e when Enterprises need to integrate Finance / Accounting with It and having straight project management workflow
    Read full review
    Pros
    Asana
    • Through it, we were able to communicate and cooperate with the rest of the team to complete the work in the required manner and at the appropriate time.
    • Available for free on Android and iPhone.
    • Asana has a simple and easy user interface
    Read full review
    IBM
    • Open Services supporting Lifecycle Collaboration (OSLC).
    • Required definition management and managed capabilities enabling.
    • Rational DOORS Web Access for local on the test field presence.
    • On-sites established reporting system.
    • Approved linking requirements to test plans
    • Engineering Requirements Management DOORS traces requirements thereby eliminates manually processes and spreadsheets, for improved productivity.
    • Returns the investment efficiently.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Microsoft
    • I love the Gantt Chart that Microsoft Project offers me, because it provides me with a view from various aspects, it provides me with exact details about the fulfillment of tasks over a period of time, it also allows me to make comparisons with the necessary data and the fulfilled data. by the employees, in order to know exactly if the project's expectations have been met.
    • I love the Gantt Chart that Microsoft Project offers me, because it provides me with a view from various aspects, it provides me with exact details about the fulfillment of tasks over a period of time, it also allows me to make comparisons with the necessary data and the fulfilled data by the employees, in order to know exactly if the project's expectations have been met.
    • The alert system for the fulfillment and delay of assignments is perfect. Microsoft Project allows me to configure the task system, I can assign the necessary tasks to fulfill the project, and the software alerts me immediately if the managers are fulfilling the assignments.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cons
    Asana
    • Asana is not really a project management tool, it is good for simple projects only
    • UI has some glitches (doesn't save preferences, etc.)
    • Integration with other tools (Office 365, MS Project)
    • No reminders if the working period you entered is on holidays
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    IBM
    • I feel like it is too heavy sometimes and updating is not very straight forward. For example, if I want to change an incident ticket (IN) to a service request (SR) and add some comment for the change, I have to first change the IN to SR, then click refresh which takes a few seconds, then add a comment. If I forget the refresh step, my comment will be discarded without warning like my ticket is not in the latest status. This also happens when somebody else changes the ticket during my edit as I can not lock the ticket exclusively.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Microsoft
    • Seems overly complicated for users sometimes in using Project and its functionalities
    • Hard to share files for those folks who do not have MS Project, and then have to print out for them
    • Can be confusing since it looks and feels like MS Excel
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Likelihood to Renew
    Asana
    • Mobile + Desktop capabilities - Able to use it anywhere, anytime.
    • Task management - Easy to view projects and their progress.
    • Time management - Easy to see what elements require time / how they interrelate and manage the project on an overall basis.
    • Company management - Be able to see from a master dashboard perspective where each project is in its stages of completion.
    • Clear communication - It's visually documented who is doing what at what time so that the whole project gets done.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    IBM
    At the moment we are required by contract to continue to use the IBM DOORS software for our current client. Given that it can be expensive, if we were to use it after our current client's needs were met, we would have to secure other projects in order to justify the continued use of the software.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Microsoft
    I like using Microsoft Project. It simplifies building a schedule
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Usability
    Asana
    It is very user-friendly. Takes a new employee an hour to start figuring out how the system works. That's an important factor. You don't want to encounter the issue where employees need a week to understand how the system works. For example, JIRA, I tried using it for a week and I still don't understand the complicated layout. Asana has a simple interface. Once you see it, you get it type of program.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    IBM
    The UI is terrible and not intuitive. Users need training in order to complete tasks. Much like SAP, it's not the clearest tool. The tracing feature is especially complicated because you must write the scripts yourself. There is a learning curve. Also, even the setup, installation, and logging in each time takes a considerable amount of time.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Microsoft
    Microsoft
    Project is easy to operate because data could be inserted, changed and
    deleted like you are in an Excel timesheet. Besides, it provides a great
    level of automation beween his fields allowing few data changes. Also, its
    funcionalities are well defined and grouped in upper menus, so you can find a
    funcionality quickly
    Read full review
    Reliability and Availability
    Asana
    Working with Asana on a daily basis
    Read full review
    IBM
    No answers on this topic
    Microsoft
    No answers on this topic
    Support Rating
    Asana
    I haven't had to use their support so I can't rate it. The fact that I haven't needed them reflects the ease of use of the product. I would recommend that any new users schedule a complete demo of the product to ensure that they are using it to it's fullest (there's a lot of useful features).
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    IBM
    It does a basic job and has the potential to complete some robust reporting tasks, however, it really is a clunky piece of software with a terrible user interface that makes using it routinely quite unpleasant. Many of our legacy and maintenance projects still use DOORS but our department and company use many alternatives and are looking for better tools.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Microsoft
    Microsoft in recent years has transformed itself and gives a positive feeling when one interacts with the company. The company is focusing on its customers and willing to go extra mile to make customers happy.The company continues to invest in its products and bringing new features from time to time. Overall it is a positive feeling to be associated with such an iconic company.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Implementation Rating
    Asana
    No answers on this topic
    IBM
    No problems
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Microsoft
    I wasn't part of it so I don't know
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Alternatives Considered
    Asana
    Asana is a top-tier project management software that helps us organize and track projects from start to finish. It allows us to apply tasks/to-dos to multiple projects without duplication, divide complex projects into smaller tasks, and track project progress. It also helps us organize work on Kanban boards or linear lists. It stands out from the crowd in a big way compared to the competition.
    Read full review
    IBM
    It was easier to do all the change management-related activities, even configurations were handled very effectively. New process definitions and initiatives made it easier for better project deliverables. Effective resource allocations and better reporting and defect management. The overall cost of the tool is great too and well within budget.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Microsoft
    While many of the above tools are extremely well-versed, Microsoft Project's largest advantage comes from it being related to the largest business productivity company in the world. Project does have its sharing limitations - but regardless, offers one of the most robust tools in the market today. Microsoft Project is built with large-scale projects in mind but is more than up to the task for smaller projects as well. However, there are options available (especially cloud-based options) that may be more fitting for higher-level projects that do not require going into the weeds.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Scalability
    Asana
    I used this tool on a daily basis at work and it runs as a solid rock
    Read full review
    IBM
    No answers on this topic
    Microsoft
    No answers on this topic
    Return on Investment
    Asana
    • Productivity - Most of all, it allows me to be more productive and have a good sense of where I am with projects and deadlines.
    • Easy to use - I can make the most of my time to get up (and stay) up and running.
    • Project coordination - Allows me to assign tasks to my interns and communicate directly within the platform to keep the work train moving.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    IBM
    • It's part of CLM suite so it can be used to manage the whole lifecycle with tight integration with development module (Rational Team Concert) and quality module (Rational Quality Manager).
    • Comprehensive reports and dashboards provide better visibility.
    • License cost is on higher side.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Microsoft
    • Project saved me, as the project manager, countless hours of digging through tickets and schedules to plan everything out. It also saved me time in adjusting the project triangle as needed, since it does so much automatically.
    • It is costly, and since it requires extensive training to master, it's not just the high licensing cost that you need to take into account.
    • The reporting features - even just printing out Gantt charts - makes it far easier to communicate with stakeholders. That means less time for PMs doing all of this manually, and it means less follow-up questions and delays moving forward.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    ScreenShots

    Asana Screenshots

    Screenshot of Product HomepageScreenshot of Team ConversationsScreenshot of Project CalendarsScreenshot of InboxScreenshot of List ProjectScreenshot of Portfolios