Microsoft Corp. today announced that on Aug. 18 it will release to manufacturing one of the programs of the Microsoft� Office System, Microsoft Office Project 2003. This milestone brings companies one step closer to the features in Project 2003 that align resources and business activities with strategic objectives, which can make the difference between those organizations that achieve success and those that do not. Chris Capossela, general manager of the Microsoft Project Business Unit, announced the news during a presentation at the Silicon Valley Speaker Series, a monthly event held at the company's Mountain View campus. The Microsoft Office System is scheduled for availability later this fall.

Project 2003, with its Microsoft Office Enterprise Project Management (EPM) Solution, is being recognized by customers, independent software vendors and system implementers as a platform for scalable solutions that enable companies to maximize their efficiency by aligning their initiatives with business objectives. The Gear and Apparel group at Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI) is using the Project 2003 beta to streamline the process of bringing new and revised REI-branded products to market. By blending its product development expertise with EPM practices, the Gear and Apparel group will be better positioned for continued growth. "We are excited about the cross-process collaboration and participatory project management capabilities of the Microsoft Office EPM Solution," said Kevin Myette, director of Gear and Apparel Business Operations at REI. "We anticipate that the move to the EPM Solution will lead to increased efficiency and better use of resources, which will enable us to expand our capacity and take on additional high-value work."