We have seen over the last few years more and more software applications going collaborative and web based.

ie instead of the user implementing (buying, installing) software on their server/PC’s…the system is opened, used and shared over the web. The software manufacturer hosts, runs and secures the software and all your data.

Document Control is a good example where this has occured. Systems like Acconex and Project Centre are available to it’s users via a web browser.

Although Planning/Scheduling software like Primavera’s P6 and Microsoft’s Enterprise Project, have made it possible to update, share and change schedules over the internet, the onus to implement, host, process and secure the application (and it’s upgrades is ultimately still something that the end user needs to arrange.

But there are changes on the horizon.

This year a new style of planning application has arrived. Like the Acconex model, a product called LiquidPlanner (which still is in Beta testing mode) is paving a way for a new way of implementing planning/scheduling systems.

We’re not saying that this product is ready to complete against the established software big boys in terms of raw sheduling, resource/cost loading, reporting etc… but I guess (and only a fool wouldn’t see it coming) that the big boys will be watching this with interest (and probably already doing something about it), with a view to developing their own REAL web based planning software.

This would mark a completly new way of rolling out planning applications accross larger organisations.

With some interest, JCA have attended the myPrimavera Conference in Perth this year. The conference winds up today with a further series of seminars

Held at the Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre, the conference has seen delegates from all over Australia and overseas converge on JCA’s doorstep. Some are here the for junket and some here to hear and see some excellent technical and commercial seminars.

The vibe on opening night was upbeat and full of interest, with many networking opportunities taking place.

The seminars (mostly held on day two) were very well attended, informative and a good opportunity for like minded planners, engineers and project managers to discuss relevant ideas and experiences.

The Mystery Gala evening at the end of day two was spectacular. Delegates and partners were wisked off to Fremantle prison where they were greated by world war 1 military clad agitators who channelled the unsuspecting prisoners through the war-zone perimeter of the prison grounds. With bombs dropping around us, helicopters landing, machine gun fire and sirens blazing. Well at least the fake smoke, speakers, and pyrotechnics made it seem half real, while a light drizzle of rain (no doubt specially booked by Primavera Australia for the evening) topped off the scene.

Well done to Jim Fairchild and the Primavera Australia team for putting together such a good conference.