How to import/export MS Project

[Katie]

I'm trying to import project plan information from MS
Project onto a web page, and allow users to modify the
information on the web. Updated project plan information
will then be stored in a database. Users can also export
the updated project plan to MS project.
I'm wondering can all these be done anyhow? Please help in
details. I appreciate that!!!

 

[Jack D.]

I'm trying to import project plan information from MS
Project onto a web page, and allow users to modify the
information on the web. Updated project plan information
will then be stored in a database. Users can also export
the updated project plan to MS project.
I'm wondering can all these be done anyhow? Please help in
details. I appreciate that!!!

There are a number of ways this can be done. Microsoft has chosen a couple
of different ways which might be instructional.
If you are using Project2000 you might look at Project Central which comes
free with Project and does this.
If you are using Project2002, look into Project Server which you have to buy
separately but which "improves" on Project Central.

More information about both of these can be found at

http://microsoft.com/office/project




--
Please try to keep replies in this group. I do check e-mail, but only
infrequently. For Macros and other things check http://masamiki.com/project

-Jack Dahlgren, Project MVP


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[Katie]

Thanks, Jack.
Is there any other ways that I can develop all these by
myself, including the import/export functions, web pages,
etc?

 

[Jack D.]

Thanks, Jack.
Is there any other ways that I can develop all these by
myself, including the import/export functions, web pages,
etc?

Sure. As long as you have the necessary skills you can develop this. I think
there is an example on the web where someone has developed something similar
to what you describe. Unfortunately I can't recall the name or even remember
if it allowed editing logic or merely allowed editing duration.

I pointed out those as examples as they embody most of what you are likely
to want to do (maybe more than you need!) so they are a good starting point.
Then since the code and the database structure are open you can look at them
and see at least one possible way of handling it. You may also find out some
limitations of the system that you might want to improve.

I would have to say that writing a home-grown web-based front-end to project
is possible, but it is not really something I'd want to undertake. I'd guess
that tens or even hundreds of person years went into developing and testing
Project Server and it still has some major problems. Part of this is that it
has so many different features. If I was forced to write something like this
I'd make sure that the scope was limited to the bare essentials, then I'd
study how project applies updates to tasks in excruciating detail (with a
ton of different test cases) before I even got started.



--
Please try to keep replies in this group. I do check e-mail, but only
infrequently. For Macros and other things check http://masamiki.com/project

-Jack Dahlgren, Project MVP


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