Is Project Server necessary to share information

[bwind3]

I have about 7 users that want to use MS Project but they don't have the
budget for the MS Project Server.
- Is it possible to use MS Project like an Access file where one user
creates the project and then others can open it up and check on the progress?
- What would the limitations of going this route rather than using the
Server, if it is possible?
- Will all users be able to alter information on that project file or just
view it?
Thank you for your help.
-=B

 

[Jim Aksel]

With 7 users, I think you should be able to manage things with just MS
Project Standard or Professional.

Project does not allow multiple users to access the same file. Instead, the
second user is working on a copy of the file. What happens is a "race
condition" where the last person to save the file wins. So, if we both have
a copy of the file open, one set of changes will be lost.

On one program, we split out our files into smaller groupings... instead of
1 file that is 5000 lines long, we have 4 files each 1200 lines and then
another smaller file. We have a Master File where the 5 smaller files are
inserted and linked. This way, each of the 5 Control Account Managers can
play in their own schedule without damaging the other files.
--
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Jim

Visit http://project.mvps.org/ for FAQs and more information
about Microsoft Project

 

[JulieS]

Hi bwind3,

My responses/comments are inline.

I have about 7 users that want to use MS Project but they don't have the
budget for the MS Project Server.
- Is it possible to use MS Project like an Access file where one user
creates the project and then others can open it up and check on the progress?

[Julie] Sort of. Project does not have record locking capabilities as
Access does so only one person can have the Project file open for editing
(read/write ability). Other people can open the project file, but will only
have read-only access. They can view but not change information.

- What would the limitations of going this route rather than using the
Server, if it is possible?

[Julie] Even with server, multiple users cannot open the same project file
with read/write access. Server allows people to view information as well as
update information through a web front-end called Project Web Access. The
project managers still use MS Project to create the project file.

- Will all users be able to alter information on that project file or just
view it?

[Julie] If a user can open the Project file with read/write access, they can
change the file. There is no way to prevent someone from altering a project
file if they have access.

Thank you for your help.
-=B

I hope this helps. Let us know how you get along.

Julie
Project MVP