AEC debuts management software tool

AEC Software has launched the latest version of its project management software, which it markets both to and through government integrators.

The Sterling, Va., company positions its FastTrack Schedule product as a lower-cost, easier-to-use alternative to Microsoft Project. The new version, FastTrack Schedule 9, includes a redesigned interface and more direct integration with Microsoft Project.

The latter feature makes it easier for organizations to deploy FastTrack Schedule parallel with Microsoft Project, according to the company. Ryan Kish, vice president of marketing at AEC Software, said users are now able to open Microsoft Project .mpp files natively into FastTrack Schedule 9, a feature not available in earlier versions.

IT consulting firms and aerospace/defense companies are among AEC Software’s target markets. The company also taps integrators and resellers as a marketing channel to reach government agencies. Government resellers and distributors include CDW-Government, GTSI, and Ingram Micro.

FastTrack Schedule 9 carries a retail price of $349.

FastTrack Schedule runs on Windows and Mac OS. Bill Keech, vice president of sales and business development at AEC Software, said federal users in the military, scientific community and national laboratories “are hot on the cross-platform capabilities.”