Collin Quiring of PMP Specialists presented the topic of compatibility between the 2003, 2007, 2010 versions of Microsoft Project and Project Server. He really nailed down features of the 2010 versions that are not used if the file is opened in either 2007 or the 2003 version. Compatibility is a very important feature to consider, because it might be a determining factor in the cost efficiency of switching to Project and Project Server 2010.
Collin began by showing that users should not use the Native mode setting in Project 2010, because that limits the backward compatibility of the project file; it can be used only in Project 2010. It is better to use the Backward Compatibility Mode (BCM); then the project file can be opened in 2010 or older versions.
A user cannot run all three versions (Project 2003, 2007, 2010) on the same computer at once. However, it is possible to run Project 2003 and 2007 at the same time, and it is also possible to run Project 2007 and 2010 simultaneously. Tables in the video show the features of each version of Microsoft Project and, again, are very helpful in deciding whether to upgrade to Project 2010
Collin ended by showing how to convert a Project 2010 file back to a Project 2007 file. He then discusses converting Project 2007 files to Project 2010 files, explaining which 2010 features will not be available in the converted 2007 file. This video is strongly recommended to all users of Microsoft Project so compatibility issues will not arise after implementing the program.
