Need recommendations on companies for install help

M

Melissa

We have purchsed Project 2007 (Server, Portfolio, Sharepoint) and have
not been able to succesfully install/configure this on our own. We
simply need a company to come in and install a POC for us so that our
CIO can see the advantages of using P2007 - over P2000 - which is what
we are limping along on now.

Most companies I call do not want to quote an install only - saying
that their 'process' will take us through the right steps to configure
it properly from the start. I cannot get that sort of funding/time
approved right now. I have called 6D, PCubed, MSPExperts and
QuantumPM. Any other recommendations would be very valuable.

Thanks for any advice.
Melissa
 
B

Ben Howard

Hi Melissa,
The problem you will face is that installing the software is the easy part,
and all that you'll have at the end of it is a large solution that is not
configured. Think about an SAP implementation, no organisation would just
get SAP installed, and then try and configure it themselves - it is too
complex and time consuming to do so. It is the same with Project Server, and
more so with Portfolio Server. What you will probably end up with at the end
of an installation only service is a technically working solution, but with
none of the switches set or configuration items in order for it to support
and add value to your business. You run the risk in not being able to show
any additional value to your CIO, and IMHO, I think the mentioned
organisations have shown a level of credibility in NOT wanting to just
perform an install as they well know the above.

A better way forward might be to invite a partner(s) to work with you on
creating a POC that could be used as a demonstrator to your CIO and other
senior management, so that then they can really understand the value of EPM
over Project 2000 *as it applies to your business*.

My 2p worth...
 
A

Archangelachiel

Melissa,

I agree with Ben. While I am having some issues with a PS 2007
installation, as my Project Web Access is not working, I found that a basic
install is easy.

The problems arise when you try to install it in a disctributed
environment...i.e. multiple instances of SQL Server with a seperate RS DB and
replication and lots of WSS or MOSS boxes with different types of SP
apps...etc.

We were also looking at Quantum and decided not to go there. First off, I
did not see a lot of expereince there that I did not alrady have, the blind
leading the blind thing....

Second, they needed to know things like user volume, number of docs
loaded, did we need MOSS searching, etc. They wanted to gather all of this or
their install would not really reflect how it would work.

Our solution was to install PS 2007 on a test domain and play with it,
and then deliver that info to the CEO to see when he wanted to do a
production roll out.
 
G

Gary L. Chefetz [MVP]

Melissa:

An initial install of Project Server gives you very little to work with. You
can look at the fixtures, but you can't see what it can do without
configuring it. You can't configure it without investing the time to
identify the organization's requirements. NZ Project's suggestion of trying
Project Hosts is a good idea. Better still, get a partner in your area to do
a demo for your CIO. You need a fully populated database to demonstrate the
value that Project Server can deliver.

You might think that because some of the most respected names in Project
Server have told you that your approach is not sound that you should
consider rethinking it, or I suppose you could just consider us all a bunch
of crazy people turning down your business. While I'm certain you can find
someone to take your money, we won't do it unless we're certain that we can
deliver value in return..

--

Gary L. Chefetz, MVP
MSProjectExperts
For Project Server Consulting: http://www.msprojectexperts.com
For Project Server FAQS: http://www.projectserverexperts.com
 
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