Microsoft readies new Project

Microsoft said it will release to its manufacturing division on Monday the final code for its Project 2003 software, part of the company's Office bundle of business applications.

The project management software, slated to ship in the fall, includes tools to let individuals or groups of people track the progress of software development, manufacturing and other projects. Microsoft will ship the software in a server version priced at $1,499, a professional version for $999, and a standard edition for $599. Office System, Microsoft's newest version of its applications bundle, which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other software, is set to debut later this summer.