MS Project server - Queries - should i buy

[kemp179]

I am considering purchasing MS Project server for my my Planner, we are a
small
office who are familiar with the basics (on MSP 2000) but have a few queries
which are a little more detailed, I hope someone may able to advise on:-

1. Reporting - What are the options for importing and exporting documents
and the number of format types, are they clear and easy to learn and use ?

2. Graphs - Is graphical data readily available, are there differing options
of graphs and are the tools for producing them clear and easy to use ?

3. Sand pits - Are there areas where 'offline' working is available to make
possible changes before altering the master plan if used on line and accessed
by other team members via the web.

4. Administration - Can the system be set up with a tier/security system so
that certain areas can only be accessed by designated users, and the
administration of the plan be controlled.

I have been looking at the product description and we will definately be
training staff up on the use of the choosen product, we are looking at three
others but are quite happy with MSP at the moment. Our office is looking to
expand and hence the need to upgrade not only the software but our skills
too, it is our intention to have our PM's access and amend programmes from
site so we need to have a better handle on this in the office, this is why
the questions are server based (our planner
has drafted the question criteria), I accept we will draw our own conclusions
but to canvas existing users hopefully will give us a balanced view or points
for thought and further discussion !

 

[Ben Howard [MVP]]

Hi Kemp179,

1. You can get lots of data directly out of project server and the
associated Analsysis Services cubes, but for more traditional reporting,
you'll need to utilise SQL Reporting Services (or similiar) and craft your
own reports.

2. Yes, available from the OLAP cubes. Can be done directly via the web
interface or you can link Excel directly to the cubes.

3. Yes, its called saving the plan before publishing it.

4. Yes, it's fairly granular from an admin perspective. However, if a user
has rights to save a plan, then they have full rights to all areas of a plan.

 

[Dale Howard [MVP]]

kamp179 --

To supplement the excellent answer you have gotten from my cousin, Ben, you
might consider enlisting the assistance of a Project Partner. If you are
going to attempt to implement Project Server 2007 in your organization, be
forewarned that this tool is not intuitive to install, configure, or use.
Just a thought. Hope this helps.

 

[Eric_H]

Hello,
I administer an instance of MSPS2007 for one of the world’s largest
companies; I'd offer the following advice:
Project Server is (like Dale said,) not very intuitive and not easy by any
means of the imagination to set up and to administer on your own without
training. However, it offers functionality that cannot be found in other
products at its cost. If you have a real need for networking, socializing
and reporting on a number of schedules, I'd recommend it.
That being said, do yourself a favor and get training, lots of it... I am
not paid to endorse anyone here nor am I someone’s friend that is promoting
their business. There are a number of sources out there for training, I have
had training from 3 of the “big†names in the server arena (I will not
mention the other two) but I took a class with Dale’s organization and it was
by far the better training and products (wish I had it about a year earlier).
This is only my recommendation I’m not really trying to “endorse†anyone,
just telling you my experiences. I now have developed a network of users and
admins that offer tons of help and experiences about the day to day of MSPS
in forums like this one. It seems the community for server support is a very
close family.
E

 

[Dale Howard [MVP]]

Eric --

Thank you for the kind recommendation!