Project Server 201 - Scott M. Wagner MCP, MVP

So, you say you’re a Project Manager!

2011-09-08T12:15:00.003-05:00

This is my soap box so please forgive me as I jump up on it.

Point 1
So, you say you’re a Project Manager; but are you really?

Just because you passed the PMP, read all the Project Management information, and you’re a member of the National or Local PMI or MPUG group does not mean you’re really a Project Manager. Likewise, just because you act as a Project Manager in a company that really does not embrace true Project Management does not make you a Project Manager.

I like to think or a real Project Manager as a pseudo Fortune Teller, Soothsayer, or Prophet of their projects.

It is not the job of a Project Manager to tell you what happened with a project last week! It is the job of a Project Manager to tell you what will occur next week and beyond. That simple bold statement sets Project Managers apart from Project Schedulers, Junior PM’s and Project Assistants, and many other project related positions.

Why do I make a point of this?

Great question, I talk about this for one very important reason. If you make that statement (It is not the job of a Project Manager to tell you what happened with a project last week! It is the job of a Project Manager to tell you what will occur next week and beyond.), a primary fixture in the way you approach all Project Management tasks it will change everything you do and make you a much better and more effective Project Manager, Portfolio Manager, Sr. Project Manager, or PMO Director.

Point 2
So, you say you’re a Project Manager; but are you really?

A Project Managers job is not always a pleasant one. It requires the ability to tell the truth to people even when they don’t want to hear it. Although I don’t have personal experience I know several Project Managers that have been dismissed from their positions for doing just that, telling the truth when other people did not want to hear it! That makes being a PM a very tough job to do. Great Project Managers must not fear the truth; they must embrace the truth no matter what the opposition is to doing so.

Most Project Managers would agree with the concept above but many find it hard to actually remain steadfast when faced with the possibility of various consequences. They can be in the form of bad performance reviews to loss of a job or alternatively going with the flow may gain you promotions, recognition, better performance reviews. Again, taking the path of least resistance does not make you a Project Manager and it certainly does not make you a good Project Manager.

Again, placing this concept in the forefront of your actions as a Project Manager will make you a much better and more effective Project Management Professional.

Look for a book on Microsoft Project/Project Server/SharePoint and Business Intelligence from me coming out in 2012!

New Blog

2010-08-07T14:56:00.002-05:00

I have created an internal SharePoint 2010 solution for my company:
Software Solutions and Training, Inc.
Company Website: http://www.ssandt.com
Along with the company website, and the company portal, I have created an anonymous access blog site . It is available thru either link below:
http://www.msepmblog.com
or
http://ssandti:8090
which is the internal address.
I will be using this blog from now on and abandoning this site.

Please visit http://www.msepmblog.com

Project Success not Project Politics

2010-05-26T22:36:00.003-05:00

Consider the following:

At least 4.5 Billion dollars a year are spent on IT and Software Development projects alone. Depending on which reports you read, between 15 and 30 percent of IT projects are complete failures. That is a complete waste of between 675 million and 1.35 billion dollars annually. That’s just IT and Software Development Projects!

Also consider that another 10-20 percent of all projects are only somewhat successful and fail to achieve the desired outcome of the intended project. That’s an additional loss of somewhere between 225 to 900 million depending on how you calculate and measure the actual success of those projects.

These are staggering numbers especially when you consider that most of this waste could be avoided by skilled Project Management. Why most of the waste? There can always be circumstances beyond the control of a Project Manager or a Project Management team to control or avoid.

Things like a single source of knowledge, other resource constraints, budget constraints, or schedule constraints. Technological limits or capabilities can even play a role in the success or failure of a project along with many other items! A skilled Project Manager can and should identify these risks and even make stakeholders acutely aware of the risks but often they do not have the position, power or influence to completely avoid these pitfalls or kill the project.

Politics in companies, just like in our government, is responsible for much of this waste. Another major contributor is a lack of Project Managers with the strength of their conviction in their skill and ability. A good project manager is not someone who provides status to management and executives after the fact, that’s not even their job! A good Project Manager is the one who provides the forecast and probability of success for a project, based on the facts, before it begins in earnest. The true responsibility of the project ultimately lies with the stakeholder but make no mistake, the project manager takes the heat most of the time for these failures.

Some advice is this:

If you believe you are in a no win project and have empirical data to back up your forecast and probability matrix, then appeal to a higher court now. Go beyond your stakeholder or stakeholders if possible, spread the word and make everyone aware of your research. It may be the only way to preserve your job and your career. If you end up losing your job for doing the right thing, I apologize, but I offer you this, you’re better off without those who would ignore the data!

Provide some feedback; I’d love to hear other thoughts on this!

IPad

2010-04-14T01:55:00.002-05:00

My first blog post from my IPad, it works pretty good. I'll be posting some information on my use of the iPad as I figure stuff out. Pretty cool so far...

Project 2010 Videos

2010-02-03T14:31:00.001-05:00

From: Christophe Fiessinger

Microsoft Project, SR TECHNICAL PRODUCT MANAGER

Dear Project Community,

Since the release of Public Beta last November a lot of Microsoft Project 2010 content and in particular videos have been made available free of charge!

To assist with the discoverability of these Project 2010 video assets I have a compiled the attached spreadsheet, it mainly contains links to each of the Project Conference 2009 recorded breakout session and the recently started Project 2010 webcasts series. The attached list contains about 95 videos equivalent to about 117 hours of recording so hopefully plenty of content to learn about the Project 2010 key investments.

Expect a lot more videos by the time the product is launched.

Key Microsoft Project 2010 Resources

· Project 2010 Web site: http://www.microsoft.com/project/2010

· Project 2010 Demo Image: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=8e709e2e-c9a1-4c7e-90d6-a52bcc8e5daf

· Project Server 2010 Beta TechCenter (TechNet): http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/projectserver/ee263909.aspx

· Project 2010 Beta Resource Center (MSDN): http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/office/ee695847.aspx

· Project 2010 Ignite slides: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff358349(office.14).aspx

· Project 2010 webcasts and podcasts: http://www.microsoft.com/events/series/epm.aspx?tab=webcasts

· Project 2010 Forums: http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/category/projectserver2010,projectprofessional2010

Microsoft Project Conference 2009 Breakout Sessions
http://msprojectconference.com/
http://www.microsoft.com/showcase/en/US/search?phrase=%22project%20conference%202009%22
http://www.microsoft.com/showcase/en/US/channels/microsoftproject
Keynote
KN 2	Day 1 Keynote
KN 2	Day 2 Keynote
KN 3	Day 3 Keynote
Business Applications and Solutions
Code	Title	Speaker
BA200	Integrating Mind Mapping Techniques with Microsoft Project and Microsoft Project Server	Reiner Wodey, Shahzeeb Akhtar
BA203	Introducing Microsoft's Innovation Process Management (IPM) Solution	Simon Floyd
BA204	"Project Scheduling Revisited” - Performance Tuning Your Scheduling Practices	Glenn Searle
BA205	On Demand is In Demand - Managing Enterprise Resource, Project and Portfolio Data is Easier and more Affordable than ever	Anisha Mason, Scott Clausen
BA206	Microsoft Project and SharePoint Better Together– EPM Live helps “Lite Up” the MOSS Features in Project Server	Jim Patterson
BA207	The Profit Advantage of Project Cost Management 5D-BIM & MS Project	Brad Barth
BA208	Align Execution & Strategy With Strategic Planning & Governance	John-Michael Scott
BA209	ALM: Connecting the Worlds of PPM and Application Development	Ben Chamberlain
BA210	SaaS for Project Today - Microsoft's Software + Services Play	Scott Chapman
BA211	Production optimization in order-based manufacturing industries – An offshore case about integrating Project Server and Dynamic Ax	Hans Torsleff, Mads Suhr Nielsen
BA212	Effective Program Management - Powered by Pcubed Delivery Hub	Carl Dalby
BA213	Seeing the Forest and the Trees: Finding Hidden Problems In Projects	Kimberly Joyce
BA214	Opening SharePoint to Project 2010	Eamonn McGuinness
BA216	Dynamic “What If?” Resourcing – Capacity Planning and Forecasting for the Right Skills at the Right Time	Greg Bailey
BA218	Supporting your EVM (Earned Value Management) Needs with the Microsoft Project Platform	Alban de Bergevin
BA219	Products Ready for Project Server 2010 – Adding Value to an Unbeatable Platform	Christophe Campana, Stefan Haffner
BA220	Implementing a Worldwide Research-Focused EPM 2007 Solution Together with SharePoint Server 2007 in one of the Largest Healthcare Companies	Matthias Jaeger
BA221	Getting more Results by Getting Back to Basics: Using Microsoft Project / Server & SharePoint Best Practices to Achieve Results and Organizational Culture Change	Tim Runcie
BA222	The Future of Project and Portfolio Financial Management- Planning, budgeting, and tracking costs and benefits using the Financial Management Solution Project 2010 extension	Mike Gruia, Ave Dadabhoy
BA225	Create Effective Dashboard Views & Reports - Leverage Your EPM Toolbox	Robert Happy, David Blair
BA226	Covering the Extended Project Lifecycle by Integrating Project Server 2007 and MOSS with ERP Systems	Christophe Campana, Stefan Haffner

BA300	Initiative Demand Management with SharePoint and Seamless Integration with Portfolio and Project Server: case study ABB Italy - IT Services	Claudia Tambone
BA304	Learn How To Deploy the Innovation Process Management (IPM) Solution	Kris Athey
BA308	Capital Planning & Investment Control (CPIC) For Government	Jon Hughes, Chris Samulski
Deployment, Migration and Customization
DM200	Project Server Programmability Overview	Stephen Sanderlin
DM201	Microsoft Enterprise Project Management 2010 Migration	Jan Kalis, Treb Gatte, Bobby Burns
DM300	Project Server 2007 Performance Testing and Capacity Planning	Michael Jordan
DM301	Introduction to SharePoint for Developers	Andrew Connell
DM302	SharePoint Planning and Governance	Todd Klindt, Shane Young
DM303	Best Practices: Consuming the PSI	Stephen Sanderlin
DM304	SharePoint and Project Server Co-Existence	Christophe Fiessinger
DM305	Project Server 2003 to Project Server 2007 Migration Best Practices	Jean-Francois LeSaux
DM306	Understanding Virtualization and Microsoft Office Project Server 2007	Jean-Francois LeSaux
DM307	Cut the **** - How to Speedily and Successfully Implement Project Server	Ben Howard
DM308	Project 2010 - Programmability	Chris Boyd
DM309	Project Client Advanced Development Using VSTO	Chris Boyd
DM310	No Code: Custom Project Server Integration Without Custom Programming	Chet (Carl) Farmer
DM400	Project VBA: How and Why it can Make You a Project Guru!	Rod Gill
DM401	Building a PSI Wrapper for Application Integration	Stephen Sanderlin
DM402	Developing Custom Solutions in PWA	Pat Malatack, Jesse Carnathan
DM403	Project Server 2010 - Demand Management Workflow Deep Dive	Sam Chung, Biatrice Ambrosa
Executive
EX200	Real Stories from the Frontline: How Baxter Bioscience Successfully Planned, Piloted and Launched a Global EPM Implementation	Dawn Robinson
EX201	Hard Lessons: What Engineering Can Teach IT	Carl Dalby
EX202	PMO Setup or Refresh – Insights, Techniques, and Case Examples for Ensuring a Business Driven PMO and a Successful EPM Implementation	Mark Price Perry
EX203	Coca-Cola Bottling Co Consolidated uses PWA Tools to improve analysis of capitalized costs on projects	Jason Carlisle, Mary Morabito
EX204	Best Practices in Project Management	Kathy Schwalbe
EX206	Ensuring Implementation Success by Focusing on Culture and Readying the Organization for Change	Scott Clausen, Betsy Guthric
EX208	Apply an Antivirus to your EPM Adoption – a McAfee Case Study on EPM Organizational Adoption Success Strategies	Bill Beattie, Oscar de Lucio
EX209	Forrester - An Analyst Perspective on Business Value	Margo Visitacion
EX214	Increasing the Probability of Success for Your Project Using Deliverables Based Planning	Glen Alleman
EX300	MS Project Server Implemented for World's Largest "Big Bang" SAP Cutover	Ed W. Rosenthal
EX301	Implementing An Enterprise Wide Project and Resource Management Methodology	Ira Brown, Chris Beck
EX303	Strategic Portfolio and Resource Capacity Planning Using Simulation	Keith Vadas
EX400	One Version of the Truth	Michelle Barnett
Product Overview
PO200	Time tracking and Statusing Overview	Patrick Conlan, Alex Sourov
PO201	Microsoft Business Intelligence Vision and Strategy Slides	Bill Koehler
PO202	EPM and SharePoint Better Together	Tad Haas
PO203	Resource Management with a dose of reality	Miguel Morales
PO204	Project 2010 Overview	Keshav Puttaswamy
PO205	Project Professional 2010 Overview	Eric Zenz
PO206	Project Professional 2010 – Project Planning and Scheduling Capabilities	Bonny Lau, Peter de Vries
PO207	Project Server 2010 - Better Reporting using Microsoft BI Capabilities	Treb Gatte
PO208	Project Server 2010 - Demand Management	Pradeep GanapathyRaj
PO209	Project Professional 2010 – Team Planning and Coordination	Jon Kaufthal
PO212	Techniques to Optimize the Schedule when Time is Short, Money is Tight, and Resources are Limited	Cindy Lewis, John White
PO213	Microsoft Project 2010 First Look - Tips and Tricks Essentials	David Blair, Robert Happy
PO301	Implementing EPM solution using Microsoft Project Server and PMI's methodologies	Hagit Landman
PO304	Project Desktop Reporting	Heather O'Cull
PO305	Application Lifecycle Management with Microsoft Project and Microsoft Team Foundation Server	Patrick Conlan, Siddharth Bhatia
PO306	Project Server 2010 - Reporting Deep Dive	Treb Gatte, Shilpi Sinha
PO307	Project Server 2010 - Timesheets and Task Management Improvements	Patrick Conlan, Rohan Thakkar
PO400	From Start to Finish: Effective Activity Sequencing	Daniel Renier
PO401	Enterprise Program Management – Providing the Tools to Manage an Entire Galaxy – Why Stop at a Single Star?	Daniel Zitter
System Administration
SA200	Chalk Talk: Project 2007 Common Questions and Answers	Adrian Jenkins, Soroush Salehian
SA300	Chalk Talk: Project Server 2007 Performance Tuning	Patrick Conlan, Michael Jordan
SA301	Project Server 2007 Disaster Recovery	Michael Jordan
SA302	Deploying and Administering Project Server 2010	Adrian Jenkins
SA303	Take control of your projects and programs with the new Project Server Report Pack	T.R. Sloan, Bulent Guzel
SA400	Anatomy of a health check of EPM environment	Michael Jordan
SA401	SharePoint (or Project) Admins: The Reluctant DBAs	Todd Klindt, Shane Young

Microsoft Project 2010 Webcast

Webcasts	http://www.microsoft.com/events/series/epm.aspx?tab=webcasts
Podcasts	http://www.microsoft.com/events/series/epm.aspx?tab=podcasts&pageId=x1429&seriesID=Series-ed4f9cb5-d44a-41b0-8941-487b729f50de.xml

Date	Title	Speaker
12/16/2009	Microsoft Office Project 2010 Overview	Keshav Puttaswamy
12/15/2009	Overview of Microsoft Project Server 2010 for IT Professionals	Christophe Fiessinger
12/17/2009	Project 2010 and Project Server 2010 Programmability	Chris Boyd
1/6/2010	Project Server 2010 Project and Portfolio Management Reporting	Marc Soester
1/19/2010	Microsoft Project 2010 Desktop: Tips and Tricks	Jack Dahlgren
1/25/2010	User-Controlled Scheduling in Microsoft Project 2010	Ben Howard
1/27/2010	Microsoft Project 2010 Enhanced Project Management	Tim Runcie
2/18/2010	Project Professional 2010 and SharePoint Server 2010 Better Together	Erik Ku
2/23/2010	Resource Management in Microsoft Project 2010	Renke Holert
2/26/2010	Microsoft Project 2010 Portfolio Analysis	Hilde Corbu

December 2009 CU - Office - Project Server 2007

2009-12-19T12:19:00.003-05:00

Description of the Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 Cumulative Update Server Hotfix Package (WSS server-package): December 15, 2009

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/977027

Description of the Office SharePoint Server 2007 Cumulative Update Server Hotfix Package (MOSS server-package): December 15, 2009

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/977026

Description of the Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 Cumulative Update Server hotfix package (Sts-x-none.msp): December 15, 2009

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/977022

Description of the Office Project Server 2007 hotfix package (Pjsrvapp-x-none.msp, Pjsrvwfe-x-none.msp): December 15, 2009

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/977028

Description of the Office Project 2007 hotfix package (Project-x-none.msp): December 15, 2009

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/977266

What’s New in Project 2010 (First Look Video’s)

2009-09-29T14:24:00.002-05:00

Biggest Release of Project in a decade:

Builds on the foundation of Project 2007

Simple and Intuitive User Interface

· Fluent User Interface (The Microsoft Office “Ribbon”)
· More Intuitive “Excel Like” behavior
· Powerful new views (Timeline View, Team Planner and much more)
· Web based project editing capabilities

Enhanced Collaboration and Reporting

· SharePoint Sync
· Improved time and status reporting
· Easier to create reports and dashboards
· Built on SharePoint Server 2010

Unified Project and Portfolio Management

· Integration of Portfolio Functions enabling full Project Portfolio Management
· Flexible project capture and initiation
· Enhanced governance thru workflow
· Powerful Portfolio analytics

Scalable and Connected Platform

· Extended Interoperability (Exchange , TFS, ALM, Dynamics)
· Simplified Administration
· Rich Platform Services
· Enhanced Developer Resources

Check out the new Project 2010 First Look video’s (Click on the title) and I will be providing more information on the products soon.

http://www.microsoft.com/project/2010/en/us/default.aspx

A few things about Project 2010

2009-09-28T14:57:00.003-05:00

First off, the Microsoft Project 2010 Conference in Phoenix Arizona was great. It was really good to see MOST of you again (haha). The big news was the official launch of Project 2010 which includes Project Server 2010, Project Desktop 2010 and SharePoint 2010. Although the community as a whole was able to see a good bit, many of the upcoming details are on hold until after the Official SharePoint 2010 Launch which will happen at the SharePoint Conference: (http://www.mssharepointconference.com/Pages/default.aspx)

A few highlights or themes that were conveyed during the conference were:
· Project Server 2010 was NOT a full redesign, it is an enhancement of what works in 2007
· Portfolio Server functionality will be included in Project Server 2010
· ActiveX controls will be NO MORE in 2010 a new grid has been developed (Still IE dependant thou)
· The RIBBON (Fluent User Interface) is in, both for Project Desktop and Project Server (If you’re not familiar with the ribbon interface for Office 2007 check it out here: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/products/HA101679411033.aspx
· Much richer web based project capabilities in PS2010
· Married to SharePoint Server 2010, you will no longer be able to have Project Server with SharePoint Services (Although there are downsides of cost for small businesses, I still think this is great as the features and properties of SharePoint Server 2010 will serve all businesses… think excel services)
Much more to come soon….

A plug for MPU (Microsoft Project User Group):
MPUG http://www.mpug.com JOIN UP

Microsoft Enterprise Project Management 2007 Virtual PC Customer Ready V4

2009-07-17T21:36:00.003-05:00

I know the VPC's are large but you can download the Parts until you have the whole thing.

Thank you to the Microsoft team for making the new one available for all :).

Dear EPM enthusiasts! The last PPM/EPM 2007 VPC v4 based on Project 2007 is out! The current v3 will expire mid-August, so you want to get v4 as soon as possible.

Project and Portfolio Management (PPM/EPM) VPC v4
VPC version: 4.0
Expiration date: 11/1/2010
Size: 18GB / 10GB (compressed)
Products version: 2007
SP/CU version: SP2, April CU

Highlights:
· New SSRS reports to showcase the upcoming report pack (will be announced later in August)
· SP2 and April Cumulative Update for Project, Project Server, WSS, and SharePoint Server
· Usage must adhere to EULA terms: “…You may use the software in the virtual hard disk image only to demonstrate and internally evaluate it. You may not use the software in a live operating environment…”
· Recommended HW configuration is 2 GB RAM (available for the VPC) and performance Hard Drive

Hosted Version
VPC and script are accessible as hosted TechNet Virtual Lab
· http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9665059

Image download
Please email Proj2007@microsoft.com for download links.
Q&A:
· Q: Where is the demo script?
o A: It’s part of the compressed archive. Alternatively you can use the original v2 demo script.
· Q: Is the SP2 for Project Portfolio Server 2007 installed in this VPC final?
o A: Project Portfolio Server (PPS) SP2 installed in this VPC v4 is not the version of officially released SP2 for PPS, but on parity feature-wise.
· Q: Why is the http://epm2007demo URL not in the IE’s Trusted sites anymore?
o A: Feel free to add the server URL into the IE Trusted sites list, especially if you are demoing the “out-of-the-box” reporting capabilities of Project Server that are using the Office Web Components. Else we discourage you to do so as you might get prompted for credentials on every time you try to access any sub-site in the http://epm2007demo location.
· Q: Where can I learn more about Project 2010?
o A: http://www.msprojectconference.com

Description of the Project Server 2007 hotfix package: May 13, 2009 (KB971066)

2009-06-05T16:05:00.002-05:00

This article fixes the following issue:

In Project 2007, the values for actual work differ from the values that are submitted by the resources after you accept updates for assignments. These incorrect values are displayed on the My Tasks page if you save and publish the project after the data is changed by accepting the updates for assignments.

Project Server 2007 Newly Published Content

2009-05-24T13:32:00.002-05:00

Performance tuning lab (white paper)
Friday, May 15, 2009, 10:40:00 AM
This white paper describes an actual performance tuning lab for Microsoft Office Project Server 2007, including how the lab was done and what results were achieved.

EPM and Office SharePoint Server 2007 Coexistence: Intranet Scenario (white paper)
Friday, May 15, 2009, 10:40:00 AM
This white paper outlines the recommended setup and configuration approach that will focus on best practices for an EPM-focused Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 Intranet farm with a set of validated and tested best practices for Office SharePoint Server 2007 and EPM coexistence. A logical architecture diagram of an EPM-focused Office SharePoint Server 2007 Intranet farm is also provided for reference. The diagram is in Microsoft Visio file format.

Migrate Project Server data from one farm to another
Friday, May 15, 2009, 10:40:00 AM
This article outlines the process of moving Office Project Server 2007 Project Web Access data from one Project Server farm to a new Office Project Server 2007 farm.

Office Project Server 2007 Technical Library in Compiled Help format
Friday, May 15, 2009, 10:40:00 AM
The entire library for Office Project Server 2007 is now available as a downloadable .chm file. This download includes all content in the library as of May 7, 2009.

Migrate an existing server farm to a 64-bit environment (Project Server 2007)
Friday, May 08, 2009, 1:35:00 PM
This article provides instructions and recommendations for a clean, phased migration of a Office Project Server 2007 farm to servers in a 64-bit environment.

Advantages of 64-bit hardware and software (Project Server 2007)
Friday, May 08, 2009, 1:30:00 PM
This articles describes the advantages of running your Microsoft Office Project Server 2007 farm on a 64-bit Windows server environment.

Create an installation source that includes software updates (Project Server 2007)
Friday, May 08, 2009, 1:30:00 PM
This article describes how to create a slipstream installation source to assist you in adding new servers to your server farm. This is required in server farm deployments, since all your Web and application servers must have the same software update version applied.

TechNet webcast: Maintenance and Monitoring (Office Project Server 2007)
Friday, May 08, 2009, 1:30:00 PM
TechNet webcast for Office Project Server 2007 covering maintenance and monitoring operations.

TechNet webcast: Disaster recovery (Office Project Server 2007)
Friday, May 08, 2009, 1:30:00 PM
TechNet webcast covering Office Project Server 2007 disaster recovery best practices.

TechNet webcast: Deployment into a SharePoint Server 2007 Intranet Farm (Office Project Server 2007)
Friday, May 08, 2009, 1:25:00 PM
TechNet webcast covering the deployment of Office Project Server 2007 into a Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 intranet farm.

Downloadable book: Migration for Office Project Server 2007
Friday, May 08, 2009, 1:25:00 PM
Downloadable books contain content from the TechNet technical library, which is revised regularly. The updated book includes the most recent version of this content as of May 2009.

Downloadable book: Planning and architecture for Office Project Server 2007
Friday, May 08, 2009, 1:25:00 PM
Downloadable books contain content from the TechNet technical library, which is revised regularly. The updated book includes the most recent version of this content as of May 2009.

April 2009 Cumulative Updates for EPM

2009-05-17T18:17:00.001-05:00

Project Professional 2007
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/969409

This article describes the Microsoft Office Project 2007 issues that are fixed in the Project 2007 hotfix package that is dated April 30, 2009.
http://support.microsoft.com/hotfix/KBHotfix.aspx?kbnum=969409&kbln=en-us

Project Server 2007
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/969957

This article describes the Microsoft Office Project Server 2007 issue that are fixed in the Project Server 2007 hotfix package that is dated April 30, 2009.
http://support.microsoft.com/hotfix/KBHotfix.aspx?kbnum=969957&kbln=en-us

WSS 3.0
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/968850

Cumulative update packages for Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 contain hotfixes for the Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 issues that have been fixed since the release of Windows SharePoint Services 3.0.
http://support.microsoft.com/hotfix/KBHotfix.aspx?kbnum=968850&kbln=en-us

MOSS 2007 / Office Servers
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/968859

This article describes the Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 issues that are fixed in the Office SharePoint Server 2007 hotfix package that is dated April 30, 2009.
http://support.microsoft.com/hotfix/KBHotfix.aspx?kbnum=968859&kbln=en-us

Project Server 2007 SP 2 and Other Newly Published Content

2009-05-03T18:38:00.005-05:00

Below are the KB article links:

Project (Standard and Professional) 2007 SP 2 (KB: 953326)
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/953326

Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 SP 2 (KB: 953338)
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/953338

Office Servers 2007 SP 2 (MOSS and Project Server) (KB: 953334)
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/953334
-------------------------------------------------------
Service Pack 2 (SP2) Download Center Page's

Office Project 2007 (x86)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=B7DF323E-73B8-4344-826A-A01E6F920B1B

Office Project Language Pack
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=B7DF323E-73B8-4344-826A-A01E6F920B1B

WSS (both x86 and x64)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=79BADA82-C13F-44C1-BDC1-D0447337051B&displaylang=en

WSS Language Pack (x86)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=085E5AC8-58F6-4CF9-8012-33B95EE36C0F&displaylang=en

WSS Language Pack (x64)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=2C2B6CAF-B46D-45EB-AC4D-DEAAA48C3A2C&displaylang=en

Office Servers (x86 and x64) (contains Project Server SP2)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=B7816D90-5FC6-4347-89B0-A80DEB27A082&displaylang=en

Office Servers Language Pack (x86)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=01C6A3E8-E110-4956-903A-AD16284BF223&displaylang=en

Office Servers Language Pack (x64)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=66C5026F-9F47-4642-8378-2526918009FA&displaylang=en

Other Links (Newly Published Content)
http://services.social.microsoft.com/feeds/feed/ProjectServerNewContent

Microsoft Office Project Conference 2009

2009-01-12T11:27:00.003-05:00

Microsoft is pleased to announce the 6th annual Microsoft Project Conference being held September 14-17, 2009 at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, AZ.

Key Conference Highlights:

Over 80+ educational sessions in multiple tracks
Special guest keynote speakers
40,000 sq foot exhibit hall filled with Microsoft Partners and Solution Providers
Many great networking opportunities with other Project Professionals

Enterprise Project Management - The Shot Heard Around the World

2008-11-25T16:38:00.002-05:00

We live in the instant gratification age, the age of information. In a time where news, data, video and online collaboration reign supreme. This also means that businesses and their clients react to things happening in the world real-time. No more one week, or even, 24-48 hour grace periods between cause and effect. The world has changed and in this new world, information stands supreme and Enterprise Project Management (EPM) takes its rightful place in the business world… on top.

Why does EPM garner a top place in businesses today? I’m so glad you asked…

There are several reasons that EPM is taking a leading role in today’s businesses, here are a few:
Starts with a process:

All true EPM solutions available today begin, (really begin and end), with a process. A map, if you will, of how to perform all the work necessary to accomplish a specific job. Although there may be many different types of work being performed in a business, like branches of a tree, each has a process that is mapped out to identify how the work can get accomplished. Like a framework for handling all the work within projects.

Centralizes Information:

The ability to collect useful information is great but the more recent problem we face today is the amount of time we spend looking for that information. An EPM solution centralizes all the pertinent information in one place which eliminates wasted time. This is generally accomplished thru Project or Program related portals or web spaces. These web spaces contain project or program information such as related documents, links, issues, risks, team members, reports, financial information and more.

Business Intelligence:

The cornerstone of today’s winning applications is not only ease of use and the ability to get information logged into an application but it must be easy to extract data in meaningful ways from the application. Things like project and program reports and dashboards. These items have graphical visual aids and use metrics like “Key Performance Indicators” which put things into quick, easy to read, terms we can all understand.

Understanding the downstream effects:

Although many businesses have been able to react when things change, they also had no clue as to the downstream effect on all the other work going on within the organization. An EPM solution allows businesses the opportunity to look into the future and realize what the effects are when changes happen.

Today the cost of not having an Enterprise Project Management solution may be your future!

Scott M. Wagner (CPM), (MCP, EPM)

Microsoft Office Servers Infrastructure Update

2008-07-16T21:15:00.000-05:00

July 15, 2008

Microsoft Releases Office Server Update

Overview
The Infrastructure Update for Microsoft Office Servers (KB951297) includes several new Enterprise Search features for SharePoint Server 2007 and the latest performance updates and fixes for the Microsoft Office Servers listed in the system requirements section below.Key updates for SharePoint Server 2007 include:

New Search features such as federated search and a unified search administration dashboard.
Several core fixes to Search to improve performance and scale.
Platform performance improvements and fixes.
Several core fixes to the publishing Content Deployment features to improve reliability.

Key updates for Project Server 2007 include:

Timesheets and My Tasks stability and usability improvements
Queue management user interface improvements
Project Server 2003 to Project Server 2007 migration fixes
Database performance improvements to enhance the cube building process and Project Professional Save/Publish scenarios
Key updates for Search Server 2008 and Search Server

2008 Express include:
Platform performance improvements and fixes since RTM

Prerequisites
We strongly recommend that you install 2007 Office servers Service Pack 1 (SP1) and the Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 Infrastructure Update before you install this update. For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
951695 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/951695/) Description of the Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 Infrastructure Update
949583 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949583/) How to obtain the latest service pack for the 2007 Office server products

Project Server 2007 and Related Support Reference

2008-06-19T19:28:00.000-05:00

Just sooo much information that I have begun collecting it in one location. This document/page will grow. Link, Links and more Links :)

Scott Wagner Joins Microsoft

2008-06-16T16:44:00.000-05:00

After just over a year as “VP of Professional Services” with MSProjectExperts I have taken a job with Microsoft. I will be working on the EPM team.

It was a great year with MSProjectExperts and the team there will always be very special to me. Gary, Dale, Tony and especially Jennifer, I will miss you all on a daily basis but I will keep in touch. :)

This position within Microsoft is one that I took to work more closely with the folks on the product and services EPM teams and I believe it is a great opportunity for me. I will most likely transition my blog over the next month or so as I will need to moderate the content more closely now. I will post out any and all information on this blog transition as it happens.

EPM 2007 – Working with Excel Services and Dashboards

2008-05-30T23:34:00.000-05:00

If you have not had the opportunity to work with Excel Services, SQL Reporting Services (SRS) and Dashboards in the new Microsoft Enterprise Project Management (EPM) Solution you are REALLY missing out.

In order to work with Excel Services you MUST have MOSS – Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 installed. For some basic info on Excel Services, please go here.

I recommend using both SRS and Excel Services to create Dashboard views in Project Server.
Here are a couple of snapshots of views created using the Demo Virtual PC (VPC) from Microsoft. *Note these are pictures of one single dashboard with some additional Report Web parts.

The Key Performance Indicator web part above was done by Microsoft folks and is a SRS web part added into the Dashboard.

Bringing these Business Intelligence (BI) technologies together with the other capabilities of the EPM Solution REALLY gives amazing power to the clients. Just remember – Garbage in reaps Garbage out.

In a few future articles I hope to post on the steps to work with EPM and MOSS and the steps to create Excel Services and SRS Dashboard Views.

Scott Wagner Receives Microsoft’s Prestigious Enterprise Project Management (EPM) Most Valuable Professional MVP 2008

2008-04-01T12:14:00.001-05:00

I was officially renewed as a Microsoft Project MVP 2008 today

Dear Scott Wagner,

Congratulations! We are pleased to present you with the 2008 Microsoft® MVP Award! The MVP Award is our way to say thank you for promoting the spirit of community and improving people’s lives and the industry’s success every day. We appreciate your extraordinary efforts in Project technical communities during the past year. Microsoft will soon send your MVP Award gift package. It is our way to say “thank you for making a difference."

Sincerely,
Melissa Travers , your MVP Lead

I would like to thank Microsoft, especially Melissa (Our MVP Queen) and April (Our Past MVP Queen), the MSProjectExperts Team, all the other MVP's and all of you who read my blog and contact me with your questions for making this possible. Again, I am humbled and honored to be selected.

Series Article: Article 1 Migrating Project Server 2003 (PS03) to Project Server 2007 (PS07)

2008-02-19T19:54:00.002-05:00

This will be a several part article. Enclosed is part1
Migrating Project Server 2003 (PS03) to Project Server 2007 (PS07)
Overview

There have been a ton of questions from people on migrating PS03 to PS07 so I am creating this white paper as a resource. My best piece of advice is to hire a Project Server Consultant who has done this before as there are many pieces to the process. With that said, enclosed are the steps to follow along with links to other resources and information.

Step 1 Backup the Project Server 2003 Databases

Backup, Backup, and backup again.

Backup the Project Server 2003 solution. Backup the databases; this includes Project Server and SharePoint databases. If you’re not sure what databases are being used by the solution follow these steps.

1. Determine the primary database for Project Server 2003. If you installed the application in the primary directory, look in C:\program files\Microsoft Office Project Server 2003\BIN\1033. There you will find a tool called Conninfo.exe run the executable and you will see the following window.

2. This tool shows you what SQL Server you are using as well as what is the primary database.

3. Determine the SharePoint Database. To find out what SharePoint database you are using follow these instructions. From PWA go to Admin à Manage Windows SharePoint Services. You will see the following screen.

4. The red box shows the SharePoint Central admin site. Click the “Test URL” link and open SharePoint Central Administration. Look under the section “Server Configuration”.

5. Click on the two links, first check the content database. This will only tell you what server the database is on, not what database but the database will look like this “STS_(ServerName)_GUID” the GUID is a unique number for each instance of SharePoint. If you installed multiple instances, back them all up.

6. Next check the configuration database. Click the “Set configuration database link”. (Note you may need to click the back button first.)

7. The red box in the image above shows the server and the database for the SharePoint Content.

8. You must back up each of these databases before beginning a migration. To back an SQL Database it depends on which version of SQL you are using but generally, you can log into the database server, open either Enterprise Manager in SQL 2000 or SQL Management Studio in SQL 2005. Expand the databases section, find the database you wish to backup and right click on it. From the dropdown select backup. There are many settings within backup. I recommend that you get a SQL DBA to backup these databases for you. If one is not available then check out Microsoft information on doing SQL backups here: (SQL 2000 - http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/sql/2000/maintain/sqlbackuprest.mspx) (SQL 2005 - http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms191239.aspx)

Step 2 Review the Microsoft Project Server 2003 Migration Guide

1. Once the Project Server 2003 and SharePoint databases have been backed up, you must review the documentation from Microsoft for Migrating Project Server 2003. That information is found here: http://technet2.microsoft.com/Office/en-us/library/6771be81-3881-47b3-ba5f-29adf893286d1033.mspx?mfr=true The downloadable book from Microsoft is here: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=85679

Next Part: Article 2 Coming Soon...

Project Server 2007 - Custom Web Parts - SimpleUI

2008-02-01T06:40:00.000-05:00

Project Server 2007 uses Microsoft ASP.NET 2.0 pages and simplifies SimpleUI. For example, the following URL hides all navigation and title bars in the Home page in Project Web Access.

http://ServerName/ProjectServerName/default.aspx?SimpleUI=15

Table 1 shows the 32 possible values and effects of SimpleUI, from 0 - 31. Because SimpleUI is a bitmask, values over 31 have no effect. The navigation parts of a default Windows SharePoint Services page are defined in the master page. The Project Web Access master page includes the following elements.

• Breadcrumb Bar The top bar in the page. Setting SimpleUI=1 hides the breadcrumb bar. In Project Web Access, the Breadcrumb bar includes the Project Web Access link to the Home page, a Welcome drop-down menu, and the Help button. There are no breadcrumbs (links that show the parent pages) in Project Web Access.

• Title Bar Shows the Microsoft Office Project Web Access logo. Setting SimpleUI=2 hides the title bar.

• Top Link Bar Shows the Home tab and the Site Actions drop-down menu. Setting SimpleUI=4 hides the top link bar.

• Quick Launch The left navigation pane has links to other parts of Project Web Access. Setting SimpleUI=8 hides the Quick Launch.

The page shows all elements for SimpleUI=16. The SimpleUI values of 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 are additive. A SimpleUI setting greater than 0 is persisted as a cookie on the local user's computer. SimpleUI applies globally to the Project Web Access pages, but not to other Windows SharePoint Services sites that do not have Project Server provisioning. After you set a SimpleUI value of 1 through 31 on one page in Project Web Access, all of the pages have the same elements removed and you no longer see the SimpleUI option in other pages. To return to the default view, add ?SimpleUI=16 to any Project Web Access page URL. You can temporarily show all page elements by setting impleUI=0.

MVP Global Summit, April 14 - 17, 2008

2008-01-25T08:31:00.000-05:00

Meet me at the MVP Global Summit!!!

Hope to see you there!

Mid-Life Crisis

2008-01-04T16:25:00.000-05:00

OK, so this post is not on Project Server, SQL Reporting services or anything else just a personal post.

For the end of the year I decided to get myself a little Christmas present. For those of you who know me, I'm a bit... well frugal I like to call it but some may say cheap. Not with my family or friends but when it comes to getting anything for myself that is not technology related (Just ask my wife I spend way too much on computer stuff LOL). Anyway I got a really great deal on a new car so I thought I would show it off as it is a bit out of character for me. I like to call it my mid-life crisis car.

My little RED Sports Car is a Mazda RX-8. I bought it because it’s a sports car with a back seat and I have two boys, ages 8 and 6. So far it’s the most fun car I have ever owned.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

Issues fixed in Project Server 2007 with SP1

2008-01-01T13:10:00.000-05:00

Below is a list of issues fixed in SP1.

Items fixed in Microsoft Office Project Server SP1
Project Professional 2007 and Project Server 2007
1 You may receive multiple false error messages when you try to save a Project 2003 XML file to Project Server 2007.
2 After entering the "percent complete" value for a task, the task finish date is unexpectedly rescheduled into the future. This issue occurs in a plan that is scheduled from finish with a cost and a work resource assigned.
3 You cannot edit an enterprise resource’s name by opening the enterprise resource pool in Project Professional because the field is disabled.
4 You save an existing plan as an Excel file and then try to save the project plan back to the server. When you do this, you may receive the following false error message: "You do not have sufficient permissions to save this project to Project Server. Please contact your server administrator."
5 When using the Assign Resources dialog box, all resources in the dialog box are selected. This condition makes it easy to mistakenly assign all resources to a task or to a group of tasks.
6 If a subproject is open or checked out, and if the same plan is modified in a master plan, the master plan cannot be saved.
7 You cannot see assignments for other shared files when opening a project that shares a resource pool across multiple MPP files and when the other projects are not opened.
8 In Project 2007, you navigate to a Windows SharePoint Services 2.0 Web site list that has an MPP file and then click "Edit in Microsoft Project." When you do this, the file opens as read-only instead of as read-write. Now, a dialog box displays a choice for read-only or for read-write.
9 On the Tools menu, you click Options and then click Calculation. If you select the "Move end of" and "Move start of" options, and if you add actual work to assignments, the task's remaining work value and finish date are changed incorrectly.
10 You create a project using the default calendar settings in the English version of Project and then open the same project in the French version (or in a version that by default has a different calendar). Then, you save the project in the Project 2003 format. When you reopen the project, it may not calculate correctly.
11 When the time-phased data for a resource assignment gets into a "bad" state, the server-side scheduling engine may consume a large amount of CPU processing time. Additionally, this issue prevents previewing or applying updates on projects.
12 If the URL for project workspaces that are created on publish is longer than 100 characters, you may receive the following error: "The Project workspace cannot be provisioned. The site where the project ... "
13 If you save an MPP file with a write reservation password, you cannot open the project again in read-only mode.
14 When opening an XML file in Project 2007 that contains custom fields, you may receive the following error message: "An unexpected error occurred during command execution."
15 In Project Professional, you access the File/Open dialog box and then select the Group By list. When you do this, you may not see all the available fields, and there is no scroll bar to allow you to navigate through the list. A scroll bar has been added to the dialog box to allow you to see all the values.
16 When you use the Project Task Information dialog box to change the resource for an existing assignment, the assignment GUID changes. This causes a problem when trying to access the original assignment GUID, such as when another application updates or modifies assignments.
17 If you create a multiple-day task and then enter zero actual work for the first day, the task is rescheduled as expected. However, if you enter zero actual work on the second day, nothing is recorded, and the task is not rescheduled.
18 Baselines take a very long time to save or are not saved at all. This issue may occur for complex plans, such as plans that have a large number of custom calendars, long elapsed duration tasks, and so on.
19 Using a graphical indicator in a Project Center view, the field may not display the correct value for the Project Summary task.
20 If you are using a remote Local Cache folder, and if you lose network connectivity, a new local cache folder is created. There is no error message. The next time that you open a project from your local cache, the plan is not listed. Now, a message is displayed that tells you about the problem and states that your data will be lost.
21 When you copy data from Excel that includes blank cells and then paste the data into Project, you may see garbled text.
22 When you modify an enterprise resource custom field value for a local resource, save the plan, and then re-open the plan, the field value may revert to the original value.
23 You open a plan from the Project Web Access Project Center in Project Professional and then modify the plan. If Project is closed before the save process reaches 100%, the plan may not correctly be saved again when subsequent modifications are made.
24 If you have a custom field that has a formula, and if you group a view by that custom field, Project may crash.

Project Server 2007 Only

1 Project 2007 does not automatically map resources in a plan to enterprise resources that exist on a server that is running Microsoft Office Project Web Access. When you try to use the "Import Project to Enterprise Wizard" on a plan, the wizard displays all the resources as Keep local
2 When a list of projects is retrieved from a Project Server 2007 database, the list of projects takes longer than expected to be retrieved.
3 When the The timesheet will use standard Overtime and Non-Billable time tracking check box is not selected in the timesheet settings, the row that contains the totals does not appear on the timesheet. "When you try to fill down a value in a cell to the cells that follow in the Status Manager column, the fill-down functionality does not work. This issue occurs when you use one of the following procedures:
· You select multiple cells in the Status Manager column, point to Fill on the Edit menu, and then click Down.
· You select multiple cells in the Status Manager column, and then press CTRL+D. You drag the lower-right corner of a cell to fill the cells that follow in the Status Manager column.
4 When you use the "Export to Excel" function in Project Web Access to export the data from the Resource Availability view or from the Task Center view, the data may not be correctly associated with certain fields. Or, the data may not be exported
5 "The My Tasks view in Microsoft Office Project Web Access does not show the totals for time that a resource adds to tasks."
6 You make a change to an enterprise outline code in the Project Information dialog box in Project 2007 Project Web Access. If you save the project plan, publish the project plan, and then open the Project Information dialog box, the change that you made to the enterprise outline code is not saved.
7 "You close a project and then save the project in Project 2007. Next, you restart Project 2007 and then try to open the project plan. If Detail View is selected, the project plan status is displayed as ""Check in pending."
8 When you create a template in Project 2007, the Status Manager field is automatically saved with your user name. You would expect the Status Manager field in a template to be blank when you create the template.
9 When you clean up the FAC feature, only the FAC UI and Web methods are removed. However, all the code still calls into internal FAC methods and stored procedures. The calls to the FAC stored procedures cause significant performance issues
10 When you drill into a project plan and try to display the Project Summary information from the Project Center, the information may take a long time to be displayed.
11 You cannot link an issue to a task if you have more than 100 tasks.
12 You cannot change the owner of a project plan in Microsoft Office Project Web Access (PWA).
13 You cannot add a work estimate when you are creating a new task in PWA
14 Task IDs are unavailable when you are creating a new task in PWA.
15 Task IDs are unavailable on the My Task view in PWA.
16 You receive the "An unexpected error has occurred" error message when you try to access the PWA homepage.
17 "You have denied the ""Create new Activity or Proposal"" global permission for the Administrator's group. Then, you add a resource to a project team in the Project Center. When you try to save the change, you receive the following error message: You do not have sufficient permissions to view the specified page. Please contact your administrator for permissions to view this page. "
18 In the My Tasks page, items are grouped by project. By default, the maximum number of items to display on a page is 30. When the maximum number of items is reached, paging occurs. You have to switch between the pages to view all the tasks. If a project grouping is collapsed, the page does not refresh to bring tasks from other pages back. Therefore, the page does not display 30 items to the user. This causes tasks that straddle the paging to become orphaned from the project.
19 When a project manager receives a task update, there is no way for the project manager to know what has changed within the specific update. Also, the view in Approvals/Task Updates shows only the current period.
20 Using the local calendar may cause a variance between PWA and Project Professional.
21 "Custom fields in a Project 2007 project appear in the order in which they are created. However, the custom fields are not sorted alphabetically by name. "
22 When you migrate projects from an earlier version of Microsoft Office Project to Project 2007, any enterprise outline code that contains formulas may not behave as expected. Specifically, when you try to change the value of the outline code, the value may not change unless you delete and then re-create the outline code.
23 When you copy and paste an indented task under a different parent task, the indented task does not become a child of the new parent task.
24 "When you try to publish a Project 2007 project in Project Web Access, you may receive the following error message:
· Error summary/areas:
· Reporting message processor failed
· ReportingProjectChangeMessageFailed
· ReportingProjectChangeMessageFailed
· ReportingProjectChangeMessageFailed
· ReportingProjectChangeMessageFailed
· ReportingProjectChangeMessageFailed
· ReportingProjectChangeMessageFailed
· Queue
· GeneralQueueJobFailed
This issue occurs when you create one or more empty tasks in a project."
25 If an enterprise outline code has an incorrect code mask applied to it, incorrect values can be entered into the outline code.
26 "Consider the following scenario. You add both standard and generic enterprise resources to a Microsoft Office Project Server 2007 project. You use a reporting database to track the time that the resources are available and their capacity. However, when you view the reporting database table, only the standard enterprise resources are present in the table. The generic enterprise resources are missing."
27 "When you try to run a Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) macro to access each Task object in the ActiveProject object in Microsoft Office Project 2007, you receive the following error message: Run-time error '438': Object doesn't support this property or method. "
28 "When you add multiple values to a lookup table that is used by an outline code, Microsoft Office Project 2007 takes longer than expected to add the new values. In some cases, it may take five to 10 times longer to add the new values. "
29 "When you try to set the baseline for a subtask and then roll up the baselines to a summary task, the summary task displays an incorrect value. "
30 You create an OLAP cube in Project Server 2007. You try to use the "Resource is Active," "Resource is Generic," or "Resource is Team" dimension from the MSP_Portfolio_Analyzer cube. When you do this, no resources are displayed.
31 You open the Resource Information dialog box in Project 2007, click either the Windows account or Details, and then perform any other action. When you do this, Project 2007 crashes.
32 "When you try to open a link in a task to a task in a different project that resides on Project Server, you may receive the following error message: Cannot find specified project. This issue occurs if the project that was linked to was renamed. “
33 When you use the Leveling function on a collection of tasks, the end dates of some tasks are not calculated correctly. Additionally, the end date of these tasks and the of project may be much later than expected
34 After you apply the update KB 940133, the pjclient.cab file is updated. However, only the pjgrid12.ocx file inside the pjclient.cab file is updated. Additionally, the ASP pages that are required for pushing and updating controls on the Project Web Access (PWA) client are not updated.
35 When tasks are being updated in PWA, you cannot open the project in Project 2007 or Project 2007 may stop responding.
36 The server-side scheduling code does not check for assignment work contours values during the scheduling operation.
37 If a project calendar has default start and end times other than 8am and 5pm, certain calculations are incorrect. For example, if you have a task that starts on 9/26 and ends 9/27, and you work 7 hours per day, the total work is 14 hours. If you then enter a new end date as 9/28, the total work is recalculated as 24 hours because Project 2007 assumes that you work 8 hours per day.
38 "When you try to reassign tasks to other team members, you may receive the following error message: The selected task(s) could not be reassigned due to the following reason(s): Access Denied This issue may occur if you are the assignment owner and not the current resource."
39 You create an enterprise template that has enterprise resources. If you create a project from the template, the project does not recognize the resources as enterprise resources. Instead, the resources are listed as local resources.
40 Dataset constraints are too strict for resource custom field values. The same custom field value is returned for each resource per project. However, the key only specifies custom field and this causes duplicate key errors.
41 "When you try to save a light-weight project that has custom task fields and you have a summary task in the project, you may receive the following error message: Failed to enable constraints. One or more rows contain values violating non-null, unique, or foreign-key constraints. "
42 Light-weight projects will not work correctly if the projects have milestone tasks.
43 "When you try to close tasks by using the admin features, you may receive the following error message: The selected Tasks could not be locked because of the following reasons: A required custom field value was not provided."
44 If you have a project level custom field that uses a formula, the custom field does not recalculate for activity and proposal projects.
45 "When you try to save an activity plan after you set value in the second custom field, the activity plan cannot be saved and you may receive the following error message: An error has occurred when saving your project to the server. Please contact your administrator. "
46 If you connect to a server and then edit enterprise formulas, you may destroy the formulas if the client settings use a semicolon.
47 Both actual and scheduled work time-phased assignment data will be inaccurate in the remote database (RDB) and cubes.
48 You enter values into a resource plan but make a mistake. When you save the resource plan, you receive an error. After you fix the incorrect cells and save again, other valid data is lost.
49 You cannot view all potential owners in the Owners list on the Edit Project Properties page. You can only see the users who have the permission to save projects.
50 If any fields are changed in the assignment details page before you submit the task assignment, the change log for Actual works that is imported from timesheet is lost.
51 When you add resources to the team for a proposal, the resource custom field values for the resource are cleared from the view.
52 If a save fails and blocks correlation, you may receive a correlation blocked error on a second save. This is because the Project save function cannot automatically handle CorrelationBlockedExcepitons .
53 When you add some resource custom field values in the Build Resource Plan Team page view, most values do not appear.
54 If you have a language pack installed on a Project server, those users who view PWA custom field data by using the language pack cannot see the data.
55 "When you try to import a timesheet in PWA and there are null values in the assn_work and assn_act_work field in the msp_assignments_saved table, the import fails and you receive the following error message: Error - unknown error - troubleshoot with Windows SharePoint Services."
56 After creating a deliverable and linking it to a task, you may receive the following error message: "An unspecified error has occurred. Error Code: -2146827187"
57 You create a custom field and then set or change the "Calculation for Summary Rows" setting. When you do this, the setting is saved, but it is not read the next time that the Edit Custom Field page is read. Therefore, it is always set to "Use Formula."
58 When you make changes to the Option or Time column on the Daily Backup Schedule page, your changes are not saved.
59 Custom field multi-level value drop-down lists are not displayed correctly in Project Web Access if the values have long descriptions.
60 After you save and publish a resource plan, you may receive the following error message: "The resource plan is no longer checked out to you and your changes will not be saved. Contact the Project Server administrator." This issue occurs because the "Save and Publish" job was not completed before the Web page was refreshed.
61 You create a server-side plan, set a custom duration field value, and then save. When you convert the server-side plan to a project and then try to open it in Project Professional, the value for the custom duration field is not displayed.
62 You create a duration lookup table via the PSI that does not specify the duration format. When users try to launch Project Professional and connect to the server, they may receive a "job has failed" error followed by an error message that states that the enterprise template did not load.
63 If you try to reopen a project soon after closing it, you may receive an error message that states that the project cannot be found or that it may not be completely saved. This issue occurs because the last save job has not yet finished. This error is more likely to occur for projects that are large and have a lot of custom field data.
64 If you create a resource center view and then apply a server-side Cost Rate filter, the value that you enter for the filter is multiplied by 100.
65 You track tasks on an "Hours of work done per period" basis. If the actual work that you enter occurs before the assignment's start date, you cannot use the Assignment Details page to add remaining work. You may also receive the following warning: "New finish date must occur after start date and between 1/1/1984 and 12/31/2049."
66 If you try to create a server-side project with task durations that are longer than 6.6 years, you may receive an error that states that the duration is invalid. The limit has been corrected to 64 years (1/1/1984 - 12/31/2049) to cover all of Project time.
67 When working in the Project Web Access Timesheet view, columns that contain very long project names, task names, and other names expand to be very wide. This condition makes navigating the page very difficult. Now, the column widths stay more constant. As you select cells, the row height automatically expands so that you can see the full text string.
68 If you delete a value from an existing lookup table, you may lose the entire value list.
69 The Active Directory Resource Pool Synchronization feature does not populate the Assignment Owner field. Therefore, resources do not see their task assignments until that field is populated and the assignments are published again.
70 Extended characters may not be displayed correctly in Project Web Access. For example, you have a resource whose name is Sørensen. When the name is displayed in the Timesheet Header on the Timesheet page, the "ø" is replaced with "&#248."
71 Creating a new resource through Project Professional does not set the default assignment owner or timesheet manager. Therefore, the resource cannot assign a status to his or her own assignments in Project Web Access until an administrator sets these properties and republishes the project.
72 When you save a project to the Project Server server, you may receive the following error message: "Project Server encountered a problem with this error code: 42." This issue may be caused by bad data in a field that causes a dependent field calculation to fail. This unexpected data causes an overflow exception that Project Server cannot handle.
73 A user does not see any plans in Project Center. However, the user could previously see plans. This issue occurs because of an incorrect SQL query statement that returns no valid values for the Project Center view.
74 If a Project Server process loses its SQL connection, it may not be able to recover and reconnect. Therefore, the Microsoft Office Project Server Queue Service needs to be manually restarted. Now, the service will restart so that processing can continue.
75 When using the Resource Substitution Wizard, other plans for which resources are also assigned are not found and listed in the wizard. This issue makes it difficult to manage over-allocations for those same resources in other plans.
76 You create a resource plan for the second time during a Project session. You change the booking type setting for a resource from Committed to Proposed. Then, you try to save and publish the resource plan. When you do this, the booking type is not retained.
77 When creating and working with large server-side plans, the system may appear to hang or you may receive a time-out error.
78 When updating tasks via PSI calls, you may see queue jobs blocked, and you may receive SQL database deadlock errors.
79 An enterprise resource is checked out by a system process such as the Active Directory Resource Pool Synchronization, and the resource is not correctly checked back in. When this occurs, the resource does not appear on the Force Check-in Enterprise Objects page. This condition makes it impossible to check in the resource from Project Web Access.
80 You import a WSS task list into a server-side plan in Project Web Access. If you are using a non-standard calendar, Project Web Access may display an error message that resembles the following: "System.Web.Services.Protocols.SoapException: ProjectServerError(s) LastError=ProjectSchedulingEngineException Instructions: Pass this into PSClientError constructor to access all error information."
81 When editing a custom field that has a graphical indicator from the Project Properties page, the edit is not always updated. Additionally, the graphical indicator does not change.
82 When drilling into a Project view for a large or complex project, a long delay occurs, and the project is not displayed. Instead, you may receive the following message: "Project Center cannot access the project(s) you are trying to view. It is most likely that you either don't have permissions to view the project, another user has deleted this project(s) before you were able to view it or that another user is in the process of publishing the project."
83 When you try to use the Build Team feature in Project Web Access, you may receive the following error message: "Unknown Error."

Microsoft Office 2007 Service Pack 1

2007-12-05T17:13:00.000-05:00

CRN posted that it will come out next week on December 11th.
I have had confirmation on that date.

It includes fixes for Project 2007 and Project Server 2007.

When I get the notes I'll post them!

Create and Use a Team Resource in Project Server 2007

2007-11-22T11:29:00.000-05:00

I’ve gotten several questions on creating and using new Team Resources in Project Server 2007 so I wanted to point people to two FAQ that were created:
How To
Create a Team resource
http://www.projectserverexperts.com/Shared%20Documents/CreateTeamResource.htm
and
How To
Use Team Resources in a project
http://www.projectserverexperts.com/Shared%20Documents/UseTeamResources.htm

Meet me at the Microsoft Office Project Conference 2007

2007-10-07T23:05:00.000-05:00

When: October 28-31, 2007
Where: Washington State Trade and Convention Center in Seattle, WA

Key Conference Highlights :
Over 90+ educational sessions in multiple tracks
Special guest keynote speakers
40,000 sq foot exhibit hall filled with Microsoft Partners and Solution Providers.
Many great networking opportunities with other Project Professionals

Tracks

Best Practices
This track provides you with sessions about business related best practices, such as Portfolio and Project management, using the EPM solution as well as technical related best practices, such as deployment and configuration.
Business Solution
Learn how Project and Enterprise Project Management can power your business to the next level through integration and solutions geared towards your specific needs.
Developer
Extending the EPM solution, building solutions on top of it, developing reports and OLAP cubes, adding workflow and process management capabilities along with customizing the EPM solution can be tricky and involved. This track is designed to ready and train professionals and developers in how to customize, create, develop and deploy new applications on top of the EPM solution product stack.
System Administration
Learn the how tos for administering, configuring, managing, securing, backing up and protecting your EPM implementation as well as integration with other products like WSS and MOSS.
Executive track
Learn how customers have implemented the EPM solution and used it to successfully address their business challenge
Microsoft Project 2007 Products Overview
This track is designed to provide you with information about features offered by Microsoft EPM solution, including a preview of SP1 features as well as an outlook on the next release of Microsoft Office Project and Microsoft Office Project/Portfolio Server!

FAQs
Who is invited to attend?
Space will be limited, but anyone who is interested in EPM, Project and the Microsoft Office Project and Portfolio offerings (Customers, Partners, MVPs, etc.) should attend.
Who should attend the conference?
The conference is intended to educate and inform project managers, business managers, process owners/executives, IT/technical implementers, developers and business/technical consultants. Individuals from IT departments, development organizations, Project Management Offices (PMOs), and those business focused individuals who need to grasp a deeper understanding of how Project, Portfolio and EPM can empower their organization to do more will get great value from this conference.
What is the charge to attend the conference?
Early bird rates for the first 1,000 people is $699. After that point registration will be $799.
Will Microsoft Office Solution Providers present or exhibit at the conference?
Yes, if you are interested in presenting or exhibiting, please send mail to projconf@microsoft.com for additional information.
Will there be business process, project management and deep technical information at the show?
Yes, the Microsoft Office Project Conference is designed to address the needs of all project participants, including executive managers, project managers, IT/technical decision makers, resource managers, business process owners and team members.
Will there be a Microsoft Office Project Conferences in other areas of the world?
There will be a subset of the US show held at the European Project Conference in December and you can find more information on this at: http://www.microsoft.com/Europe/msprojectconference However attending the Microsoft Office Project Conference in Seattle, WA will ensure that you get the most in-depth information and material.

Hope to see you there!

Scott Wagner
EPM-MVP

Implementing and Administering Microsoft Office Project Server 2007

2007-10-05T07:43:00.000-05:00

MSProjectExperts today announced the pre-order availability of Implementing and Administering Microsoft Office Project Server 2007. Special pre-order pricing applies until October 22, 2007. Implementing and Administering Microsoft Office Project Server 2007 is a complete guide to implementing and configuring a Microsoft EPM solution using Microsoft Project Server 2007, Windows SharePoint Services, and Microsoft Project Professional 2007.

Microsoft EPM (Enterprise Project Management) Solution Support and Reference Links

2007-08-21T11:15:00.000-05:00

1) Office Project Server 2007 - TechNet
http://technet2.microsoft.com/Office/en-us/library/ec990b7c-ec98-4d6d-b1a1-081a67fd66cc1033.mspx?mfr=true

2) Microsoft Office Project Server 2007 – Product Information
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/projectserver/FX100739841033.aspx

3) Microsoft Office Project 2007 – Product Information
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/project/FX100487771033.aspx

4) The Microsoft Office Enterprise Project Management (EPM) Solution – Product Information
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/epmsolution/FX101935291033.aspx

5) Project Server Experts
http://www.projectserverexperts.com/default.aspx

6) Project Developer Portal
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/office/aa905469.aspx

7) Project Server Discussions Group
http://msdn.microsoft.com/newsgroups/default.aspx?dg=microsoft.public.project.server

8) Microsoft Office Project Portfolio Server 2007 – Product Information
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/portfolioserver/FX101674151033.aspx

9) Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 Technical Library
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=81199

10) Project Portfolio Server 2007 Document: Deployment Guide
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=8977c122-a64f-4c4e-a78b-0ea8e150fe3a&DisplayLang=en

11) Microsoft Team Project Blog
http://blogs.msdn.com/project/

Downloadable books for Office Project Server 2007
Office Project Server technical library
Planning and architecture for Office Project Server (Download)
Designed to lead a team through the steps of planning a new solution based on Office Project Server 2007.
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=79598

Deployment for Office Project Server (Download)
Covers installing and configuring Office Project Server in a new deployment. June 2007
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=79599

Migration for Office Project Server (Download)
Covers migrating data from previous versions to Office Project Server 2007. June 2007
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=85679

Planning and architecture for Office Project Server 2007 (Download)
The content in this planning guide is designed to lead a team through the steps of planning and deploying a new solution based on Office Project Server 2007. March 2007
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=92795

What's new in Office Project 2007 (Download)
This article examines what is new in Microsoft Office Project Server 2007, Project Web Access 2007, and Microsoft Office Project Professional 2007. June 2007
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=93713

Technical Reference for Office Project Server 2007 (Download)
Covers technical reference information for Office Project Server 2007. June 2007
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=93742

Cube Building Service in Office Project Server 2007 (Download)
Covers instructions for configuring, managing, and troubleshooting the Cube Building Service in Office Project Server 2007. June 2007
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=93743

Understanding and Using the Queuing system in Office Project Server 2007 (Download)
Covers instructions for understanding and using the Queuing system in Office Project Server 2007. June 2007
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=93744

Downloadable books for Office SharePoint Server 2007
Office SharePoint Server technical library

Planning and architecture for Office SharePoint Server, part 1 (Download)
Covers topics such as planning sites, planning for certain features such as forms and search, and planning for managing documents and records. March 15, 2007
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=79552

Planning and architecture for Office SharePoint Server, part 2 (Download)
Covers topics such as determining hardware and software requirements, capacity planning, and planning for security. March 15, 2007
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=85548

Deployment for Office SharePoint Server (Download)
Covers installing and configuring Office SharePoint Server in a new deployment. June 2007
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=79589

Upgrading to Office SharePoint Server (Download)
Covers upgrading to Office SharePoint Server. March 15, 2007
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=85556

Web Publishing and Planning Guide with Microsoft Office SharePoint Server (Download)
Covers features you can use to implement the structure, navigation, and appearance of Web sites and to control how your sites are authored, approved, and published. May 2007
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=92330

Getting Started with Office SharePoint Server 2007 (Download)
Covers basic information about the capabilities of and requirements for Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 May 2007
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=91741

Records Management Guide for Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 (Download)
Covers general records management planning considerations and guidelines for configuring Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007. May 2007
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=92720

Planning an Extranet Environment for Office SharePoint Server (Download)
Covers planning recommendations for deploying Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 in an extranet environment. June 2007
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=93372

MOSS Document Management (Download)
Covers document management features that you can use to control the lifecycles of documents in your organization. June 2007
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=92638

Office SharePoint Server Security (Download)
Describes how security is implemented in Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007. June 2007
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=94375

Managing Enterprise Projects Using Microsoft Office Project Server 2007

2007-07-25T14:20:00.000-05:00

New Book by MSProjectExperts Released:

Managing Enterprise Projects Using Microsoft Office Project Server 2007 is an unprecedented learning guide and reference for project managers who use the Microsoft EPM platform. Our goal in writing this training/reference manual is to help you build on your knowledge of the stand-alone tool by mastering the enterprise project management environment. Follow our best practices to success and heed our warnings to avoid the pitfalls.
We take a systematic approach to the topical ordering in this book, beginning with a Project Server 2007 overview in Modules 01 and 02. Module 03 teaches you how to use two new features in Project Server 2007, Proposals and Activity Plans. In Modules 04-07, you learn to use Project Professional 2007 to define, plan, baseline, and publish an enterprise project. Modules 08-10, take you through the project updating process from team member progress reporting in Project Web Access and in Outlook, through your acceptance of the updates into the enterprise project plan. Module 11 wraps up with analyzing project variance. In Modules 12-15, you learn how to set up personal options, how to use the features in the Project Workspace, and how to create Status Reports. Modules 16-18 cover viewing enterprise project information and teach you how to use Data Analysis.
Throughout each module, you get a generous amount of Notes, Warnings, and Best Practices. Notes call your attention to important additional information about a subject. Warnings help you avoid the most common problems experienced by others and Best Practices provide tips for using the tool based on our field experience.

MSProjectExperts Merges With EPMCS, LLC

2007-04-27T10:32:00.000-05:00

New York, New York. -- (April 25, 2007) –– MSProjectExperts today announced the completion of a merger with EPM Consulting Services, LLC, (EPMCS) of Jacksonville Florida. Scott Wagner, President of EPMCS joins MSProjectExperts as Vice President of Professional Services as well as one of the world’s newest Microsoft Project MVPs. MSProjectExperts is a New-York-City-based Microsoft Certified Partner specializing in enterprise project management solutions. The company has satellite offices in Denver, CO, Iselin, NJ and now Jacksonville Fl.

“We are delighted to welcome Scott and his team into our work family,” commented Gary Chefetz, MSProjectExperts president. “Scott shares the passion Dale and I have for both the technology and our commitment to helping people succeed with the tool,” said Chefetz. Dale Howard is MSProjectExperts VP of Educational Services. Together Chefetz and Howard have authored and published more than a dozen books and course manuals covering Project and Project Server.

“I see this as a great expansion opportunity for our new team and I look forward to a long and inspired union,” commented Wagner. I have always considered MSProjectExperts the top provider of solutions within the Microsoft Enterprise Project Management space and to merge with the leader means great things for our business, our clients and the industry as a whole,” he said.

Some reference information on creating archive database(s) and archive process for project plans and related WSS 2.0 sites in Project Server 2003?

2007-04-26T22:25:00.000-05:00

My first piece of advice, contact a Microsoft EPM partner. Hey, we have done this before and we can help you. OK, so you want to do it yourself. Please use this information below as a reference and not a guide. I will give you some information but many, many details will be lacking here:

Step 1:
Get and install the tools you will need.
If you don’t already have the EditSite utility from Microsoft for Project Server 2003 you will need to download it here:

Project Server 2003: EditSite Tool
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?amp;displaylang=en&familyid=6dc2c83e-54e1-40a9-9bb8-2dd293226b6f&displaylang=en
I also strongly suggest you download this tool:

Project Server 2003: Project Server Data Population Tool
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=2cf3dd1b-16e4-49e5-806d-4ef950191733&DisplayLang=en
And one more:

Project Server 2003: View Populator Tool
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=F12D82D5-3CDB-4A57-A1FD-748BF968D48B&displaylang=en

Install and configure each of these tools. For installation information please see:

Project Server 2003 Installation Guide
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=ca99b5e3-0478-4ac3-a230-c4f2d82096c1&displaylang=en
Information on these tools and installation information is found in appendix C on page 190.

Step 2:
Create existing production database backups.
For detailed information on backing up and restoring databases in SQL please see:
See the Administering SQL Server Overview:
Backup and restore section(s)

Download the SQL 2000 Books Online:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=a6f79cb1-a420-445f-8a4b-bd77a7da194b&DisplayLang=en

Download the SQL 2005 Book Online Here:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=be6a2c5d-00df-4220-b133-29c1e0b6585f&DisplayLang=en

Restore the databases to renamed databases called something like this:
ProjectServerDB=ArchivePSDB
WSSContent=ArchiveWSS

Step 3:
Use the EditSite Tool to create a new instance of Project Server on the same server.
Refer to page(s) 191-200 of the Installation Guide Referenced above to do this.

After these items are configured you will need to come up with a practice that fits your organization to archive projects in the production database:

I recommend this guide from msProjectExperts:
http://www.projectserverexperts.com/Shared%20Documents/ArchiveCompletedProjects.htm

You will then need to create either an automated or manual process of moving the archived projects from Project Server to the archive instance, provided you do not make many changes to your enterprise global or you keep them in sync, you can simply import the projects into the archive project server instance.

I recommend that you map out your archive process with a tool like Visio if you do this in good detail you could create a workflow that a programmer could use to automate the archive process.

If you are looking to fully automate this, again, I recommend that you contact a partner.
Best of luck!

Scott Wagner

Project 2007 SDK Update - April 2007

2007-04-18T16:53:00.000-05:00

Click the title of the post to link to the update or click here:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=2672F6F9-7028-4B30-99A2-18CB1EED1ABE&displaylang=en

So what has changed in the SDK?

Overview

The Microsoft Office Project 2007 SDK is a release for solution providers, value-added resellers, and other developers to learn about the new Project Server 2007 platform, and how to extend and integrate Project Server 2007 with other applications for enterprise project management (EPM). It features conceptual and "How to" articles, sample code, and programming references. The download file for the Project 2007 SDK is updated from the RTM SDK download. The pj12ProjectSDK.exe download includes two HTML Help files: PJSDK2007.chm (conceptual topics and managed code reference), and pj12ReportingDB.chm (the Reporting Database Schema reference).

OLAPCubeSchemas.xls is a Microsoft Office Excel file that lists the dimensions, measures, and properties of the 14 Project Server OLAP cubes. Additional references include the default Project Guide files and the XML schemas for Project 2007 and the ChangeXML parameter for Statusing methods in the Project Server Interface (PSI). The Project Portfolio Server 2007 schemas include the AccountData and AccountIndex database references.

For more information, see the Project Portfolio Server 2007 Developer Reference. The download also includes the following complete sample projects that relate to topics in the SDK: ChangeXML Utility, Custom Web Parts, two Impersonation samples, Login Demo, OLP Example, Project Workspace, ProjTool (a tool with source code for testing and development), PSI Extensions, Report Pack, and Test Event Handler. The sample projects use Microsoft Visual C#®and Microsoft Visual Studio 2005.

The seven Report Pack samples use Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Reporting Services.You can also view the Project 2007 SDK online in the MSDN Library.

Microsoft (EPM) Enterprise Project Management Solution - MCP

2007-04-03T15:38:00.000-05:00

Since I got the nod this week for Microsoft Office Project MVP, I decided it was way past time for me to take the test for the MCP on the Microsoft EPM Solution (Planning, Deploying, and Managing an Enterprise Project Management Solution 70-281). I sure am glad I passed LOL.

There are several new tests coming out in the future but this is the only one for today and I thought since all these people "THINK" I know what I'm doing I should go find out if I really do!!! I am not sure how long this one will be good for but at least I have my EPM MCP now.

Preparation Guide for Exam 70-281
Planning, Deploying, and Managing an Enterprise Project Management Solution

Microsoft® MVP Award

2007-04-01T14:26:00.000-05:00

Hello all my fellow bloggers out there. I just got a bit of news that I wanted to share with you all. I am extremely honored to announce that I found out today that I have been awarded 2007 Microsoft® MVP Award. I can only say I am speechless! (Now that is an amazing accomplishment! LOL). I truly am overwhelmed.

Visit my Profile:

https://mvp.support.microsoft.com/profile/Scott.Wagner

For anyone who does not know exactly what a Microsoft MVP is here is some info:

What is an MVP?

Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals are individuals who are recognized by peers as well as by Microsoft for past credible participation, highest quality answers and a demonstrated willingness to share their Microsoft technical expertise with others while providing guidance and assistance in peer-to-peer technical communities worldwide.

While these individuals represent a wide variety of backgrounds and professions, MVPs share the basic characteristics of possessing very strong technical skills in one or more Microsoft products or technology areas. Microsoft MVPs also possess the willingness to share that knowledge with others.
Selected contributors earn their MVP status by being nominated by their peers in the community, Microsoft Support Professionals, or Microsoft Product Group members who have seen consistent, professional and accurate technical answers or guidance in response to customer questions.

EPK IE7 Issue Update

2007-03-16T19:25:00.000-05:00

EPK IE7 Issue Update

A hotfix from Microsoft for the modal dialog problem that prevented EPK-Suite and other applications from operating properly with Internet Explorer 7 has been incorporated into the latest client controls for EPK-Suite V4.3. You can use this MSI to "push out" the EPK controls centrally using SMS or other distribution techniques. Get the fix from v4.3 Downloads.

This Microsoft hotfix does not fix the problem for client machines running the new Vista OS. We are awaiting a fix from Microsoft for Vista.

News Groups in Outlook 2007?

2007-03-05T19:56:00.000-05:00

For all of you people who use NNTP Readers.... There is a better way. One thing I cannot stand is the need to use 47 different programs just because a small feature was left out in one that is better in another. Can you feel me!

Anyway, I now do all my RSS feeds in Outlook 2007 along with my NNTP Newsgroups. Yep that's right in Outlook 2007. I know there are a ton of readers out there but I like to get it all in one place. So I installed this little add-in from Mapi Lab (Linked to the post title).

I had to figure out how to make it work as I received no documentation with it so here goes if you want to configure it:

Install the Add In.
File Exit Outlook (You must 'Exit' the application or restart before the add-in will work)
Open OutlookTools> Account Settings> Under Email> New> Other> Select MapiLab NNTP...> Follow Instructions.

If you are using the Microsoft NNTP like me its server address is:“msnews.microsoft.com” You then need to select the newsgroups that you want. After you click finish you go to send and receive and it will download the last few days of messages.

Just a note of caution here peeps: I just started using it today so...I'll keep you all posted.

IE7 - SharePoint - Office 2003 and 2007 Issue - Fix

2007-03-01T23:50:00.000-05:00

I am not sure if many people are having an issue but I have seen several reports of the same issue I am currently experiencing.

My issue: Go to a SharePoint Services 2.0 Document Workspace and try to open any file stored there. IE 7 crashes.

My desktop has IE7, Office 2003 and Office 2007 installed. I have Project pro 2003 and 2007 installed and FrontPage 2003 and SharePoint Designer and Expression Web. I also have VS .net 2003 and VS 05.

I have not found a solution to the issue yet but I will post as soon as I do. Note: The issue only began a few days ago.

OK so I found a solution. corband posted on Technet, it seems to work for me.
http://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=1197148&SiteID=17&mode=1

1) Go to “C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office12”
2) Delete “OWSSUPP.DLL”
3) “Start” -> “All Programs” -> “Microsoft Office” -> “Microsoft Office Tools” -> “Microsoft Office Diagnostics”
4) Run the diagnostics and it should fix 1 issue in its last step

Project Professional 2007 – Where’s the beef?

2007-02-10T12:53:00.000-05:00

In recent months a ton of information is going around on Project Professional 2007. Some of that information is accurate, and some is not. I wanted to set the record straight on a few things.

Don’t let the looks be deceiving:

Although they may look exactly alike, Project Professional 2007 has a ton of improvements over past versions. There is ample information available on the improvements and new features but here is a link for overview:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/project/FX101759351033.aspx
Also you can look at one of my previous posts:
http://projectserver201.blogspot.com/2006/11/enterprise-project-and-portfolio.html
The image below shows both Project Professional 2003 and 2007

This brings up the next point:

Can I have multiple versions of Project Professional on my Desktop?

The included picture was taken on a Windows XP Professional System with SP2 and I have had no issues running both Project Pro 2003 and Project Pro 2007. I use Project Professional 2003 to connect many Project Server 2003 Solutions. I also use the Project Pro 2007 to connect to several Project Server 2007 Solutions. You cannot use either to cross connect. Here is the compatibility information:

Cross-version compatibility between the server and client products
To determine cross-version compatibility between Project Professional and Project Server versions, refer to the chart below.

This client version Only connects to this server version
Project 2000 ---- Project Central
Project 2002 ----Project Server 2002
Project Professional 2003 ---- Project Server 2003, Project Server 2002
Project Professional 2007 ---- Project Server 2007

Reporting tool for Project Server and EPK

2007-02-10T11:09:00.000-05:00

Like many Project Server professionals out there over the past several years, I have spent a good deal of time extracting data from Project Server to present in other applications for the purpose of reporting. Recently at the EPK User’s Conference 2007, held in Jupiter Florida, January 23-25th I was privileged to speak and another presenter was showing off a packaged reporting solution for the EPM Solution.

I have not had the privilege of using the system personally yet but I believe it is worthy of mention. The developers at Forte seem to have done a great job and they are currently working on the next release. Below are some key features of the solution:

· Built in standard reports (about 50)
· Extensible Report Manager Framework
· On-Line and Muti-Format Reporting
· Subscription based & On Demand
· Graphical Reporting
· Much More

Email me if you would like more information.

EPK IE7 Issue

2007-02-07T13:22:00.000-05:00

This information is available from EPK on the sidebar of their homepage:
Note: As stated below this is a Microsoft issue and we have no word at this time when it will be fixed.

IE7 Problem

To all EPK-Suite Customers:
We have identified a problem running EPK-Suite with the production release of Internet Explorer 7. EPK has reported this problem to Microsoft and they have confirmed there is an issue which causes modal dialogs and message boxes to disappear on their own, and that modal dialogs are not behaving as “modal”.

This is an extremely serious problem and one which other development firms have also identified. EPK had tested EPK-Suite with the beta versions of IE7 and this problem did not exist at that time. It was introduced very late in the IE build cycle and is in the production release of IE7, available now.
Microsoft has their teams working on this issue and a “fix is in the works” according to postings on MSDN. Obviously any fix cannot be in the production system which just shipped and is scheduled for automatic download to customers soon.

We have no timeframe from Microsoft on when this fix will be available, but they are working on it.

Until we have received the fix and fully tested it, do not run EPK-Suite with IE7. You should block the scheduled automatic download of IE7 to machines running EPK-Suite.

Ultimate Learning Guide MSO Project 2007

2007-02-07T12:35:00.000-05:00

A new book was released a couple of weeks ago by MSProjectExperts.
The Ultimate Learning Guide To Microsoft Office Project 2007 For Project Managers.
I received this gigantic book a couple of days ago and I have barley had a chance to scratch the surfice of the book at this point. I can say that what I have read is well written and the book layout is well done. The printing on these books from MSProjectExperts is large and easy to read and there books remind me of School Textbooks rather then normal application books. To me that is great! I will post an update after I complete the book but I have a strong feeling that this is going to be the best book available on Project 2007.

If your intrested in obtaining a copy, click on the link to the article or click here:
https://projectserverbooks.com/shopexd.asp?id=114&bc=no

Project Professional 2003 Connection Errors

2007-02-01T11:03:00.000-05:00

I cant tell you how often I get called, emailed or asked about connection issues with Project to Project Server 2003. Very often it is the sever setting that cause the issue. For those issues I am posting this Microsoft Knowledge Base Article: 912272.

I am posting the full text here:

Error message when you try to connect to Project Server 2003 or Project Server 2002 from Project Professional 2003 or Project Professional 2002: "Unexpected server response" or "Microsoft Project cannot access the Microsoft Project Server"

Article ID: 912272
Last Review: January 19, 2006
Revision: 1.0

SYMPTOMS

When you try to connect to Microsoft Office Project Server 2003 or Microsoft Project Server 2002 from Microsoft Office Project Professional 2003 or Microsoft Project Professional 2002, you may receive an error message.When you use a Project Server account, you may receive the following error message:
Unexpected server response. Project Server has returned an unexpected response.Click the "View" button to view the server response as an error page in your browser.

When you use Integrated Windows authentication, you may receive the following error message:
Microsoft Project cannot access the Microsoft Project Server. Make sure the server is functioning correctly, and is a valid Microsoft Project Version_Number Server.

CAUSE
This problem occurs when the authentication type settings for the Project Server Web site directory and for the Project Server files are changed from the required settings.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, configure the authentication type settings for the Project Server Web site directory and for the Project Server files that are used in the logon process. The following table contains the appropriate authentication types.
Directory or file Authentication

Main directory Integrated Windows
Lgnbsc.asp Basic
Lgninst.asp Integrated Windows
Lgnintau.asp Integrated Windows
Lgnintpj.asp Integrated Windows
Lgnps.asp Integrated Windows and Anonymous
Lgnpsau.asp Integrated Windows and Anonymous
Lgnpspj.asp Integrated Windows and Anonymous

To configure the authentication type settings on the Project Server Web site and on the Project Server files, follow these steps:
1. On the Project Server computer, click Start, point to All Programs, point to Administrative Tools, and then click Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager.
2. Expand Server_Name, expand Web Sites, and then expand Default Web Site.
3. Right-click ProjectServer, and then click Properties.
4. Click the Directory Security tab.
5. Click Edit, and then click to select the Integrated Windows authentication check box. Make sure that no other check boxes are selected on the Directory Security tab.
6. Click OK two times.
7. In the left pane, click ProjectServer.
8. In the right pane, right-click LGNBSC.ASP, and then click Properties.
9. Click the File Security tab.
10. Click Edit, and then click to select the Basic authentication (password is sent in clear text) check box. Make sure that no other check boxes are selected on the File Security tab.
11. Click OK two times.
12. Repeat steps 8, 9, and 10 for all the files that are included in the table.

There may be client issues with Trusted Site Security Settings in IE as well but often the Server settings above will fix most issues.

Still cant connect? Contact me at scott.wagner@epmcs.com

Project Server 2007 / EPM 2007 Performance Preview

2006-12-04T19:37:00.000-05:00

There is currently no documented performance numbers for Project Server 2007, but have hope, Microsoft has given us every technical reason to believe that performance will be dramatically improved over Project Server 2003. Various improvements in the architecture will hopefully show this increase in performance. Listed below are several of the architecture improvements and how they may impact performance.

The PSI and DAL

The PSI is the Project Server Interface. It is the API (Application Programming Interface) for Project Server 2007. The new DAL or (Data Access Layer) for Project Server 2007 has many items that may (and should) improve performance. One of the big changes provided with the DAL is that not only PWA (Project Web Access) but also Project Professional 2007 will use the new DAL to interact with the Project Server Databases. This eliminates the need for Project Professional to have direct database access as previous version did and should also improve overall performance. Here is a diagram to better illustrate the new architecture:

http://www.epmcs.com/images/10archPS2007.jpg

Eventing System, Queuing, and Scheduling Architecture:

All of these items are designed to help improve the overall performance of the system and to allow for removal of direct access into the primary Project Server database tables. These items are designed to ensure that data flows properly between the Application, the PSI and the Databases. They can also be used to introduce much more integration and workflow into the solution as well as workflow capabilities that are much improved over previous versions.

Database Redesign

The Project Server database has been redesigned and Project Server 2007 data is now housed within four distinct databases. There are also two additional distinct databases that house the SharePoint Services 3.0 data. What six databases? Yes, there are a total of a least six databases within a project server solution and easily could be more. The good news is that the majority of the data is now exposed through the PSI and the DAL and we can eliminate most direct database exposure. There is also a reporting database that will provide some direct access to data through reporting services or other applications as needed.

I understand that Microsoft is doing some performance testing on the Project Server 2007 solution and I hope to have those results along with some independent performance tests posted in the near future. My hope is that the client perception or perceived client side performance is increased by 1000% and that actual server side performance will increase by over 500% with ten times the capacity. One of the biggest issues solution provides faced over the past four years has been the client side performance of both the Project Professional client attached to Project Server and with certain views associated with Project Web Access (PWA). My belief is that this new solution is going to make all of us in the Microsoft Enterprise Project Management (EPM) space smile.

Concurrency on Project Server 2007 Front End Web Servers

2006-12-01T11:19:00.000-05:00

There has been discussion around concurrency of connections for front end web servers for Project Server 2007. I wanted to provide a concurrency ratio:

Below is a link to a definition of concurrency provided by Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concurrency_(computer_science)

As one can see there are many models of concurrency. The best way to determine concurrency is to use one of these models and review the types and usage of the current users in an organization. Note: That is a difficult task at best.

From a Microsoft Technet Article:
http://technet2.microsoft.com/Office/en-us/library/cbe73f34-5679-4455-8632-7529488b3c711033.mspx?mfr=true

User concurrency — A concurrency rate of 10% is assumed, with 1% of concurrent users making a request at a given moment. In other words, given 10,000 users, the assumption is that 1,000 users will be actively using the solution at the same time, and 10 users will be actively making a request.

So in order to reach say “500” concurrent users you would be looking at say “500,000” actual users.

For planning purposes “I” would only use the 10% rate in other words “500” concurrent users = “5,000” actual users maybe that’s just me being cautious but it seems correct.

Office Project Server 2007 Technet

2006-11-30T11:21:00.000-05:00

I wanted to supply a link to the current information available from technet for Project Server 2007.

http://technet2.microsoft.com/Office/en-us/library/1aae589c-566a-4938-ac75-a0a8f410ab331033.mspx?mfr=true

Error message when you try to build an OLAP cube in a deployment of Project Server 2003 that uses SQL Server 2005 Analysis Services: "Could not connec

2006-11-28T12:06:00.000-05:00

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/921116/

For anyone in Project Server 2007 class who needed it!

VBA Programming For Project – Project Server 2007 (EPM)

2006-11-22T01:19:00.000-05:00

VBA Programming for Microsoft Office Project – Versions 98-2007 by Rod Gill and Edited by Gary Chefetz, Dale Howard and Ed Morrison.

As a brief history I will let you know that I do not consider myself a developer although I have been dabbling more and more over the past year or so. I am at the core a Project Manager and IT Architect. Years ago I did a lot of .asp (Old School ASP) applications and worked with ton with html/Flash/CSS. I have spent the past two years learning asp.net and working with Visual Studio and SQL Reporting Services.

My main reason for purchasing this book was born of necessity. Although I am very pleased that Project Server now provides a well defined application programming interface (API) called the Project Server Interface or PSI, I also realized in working with it that there are things that the API does not and should not do.

Here is a link to that text from the actual Project 2007 SDK:

http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms504195.aspx#pj12_Programmability_PSIDoesNotDo

As you can see in this reference there are many areas that the PSI is not the developers needed tool. This is where VBA Programming for Project and this book truly shines.

One key item here is not only to understand the limitations of the PSI as I stated above but also as page 4 of the book states, to understand Project and what it can and cannot do.

Although I am only on Module 17 of the book at this time I wanted to strongly urge anyone who uses project and has an aptitude or desire to learn some VBA programming skills to purchase this book. I also urge any Office Developers out there to get this book.

If you are a Project Manager please remember that managing projects and constraints is your primary function. I say that seriously but joking slightly as well. As a PM it helps me to completely understand the tools I use. My understanding of the tools is causing me to become more of a programmer and less of a PM. LOL

Project 2007 SDK Download - Update

2006-11-21T15:25:00.000-05:00

Greetings all.

The Microsoft Office Project 2007 SDK has been released and updated (No longer beta)
Here is a link to the download:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=2672F6F9-7028-4B30-99A2-18CB1EED1ABE&displaylang=en

Enterprise Project and Portfolio Management (EPPM) 2007 – The Undiscovered Country

2006-11-07T12:39:00.000-05:00

EPPM solutions are poised for the biggest gain a product-solution has ever seen. The tools have become sophisticated enough to handle the overwhelming needs and it will be the responsibility of the professionals who serve to bring this solution to the world to ensure resounding success in this marketplace. These products are the true emersion of technology and business with process and human reason.

Project Management is a profession with a long and somewhat spotted history though many of the questions of the past have been put behind since the emersion of PMI.

PMI’s Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification is the preeminent professional credential for individuals associated with project management.

Since 1984, PMI has been dedicated to developing and maintaining a rigorous, examination-based, professional certification program to advance the project management profession and to recognize the achievements of individuals. In 1999, PMI became the first organization in the world to have its Certification Program attain International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001 recognition.

Why the Undiscovered Country?

Despite extreme advances in Project and Portfolio Management over the past decade the majority of companies who responded to various surveys stated that their business were not aligned with defined project and portfolio goals or were not measuring their alignment. Many of the companies that were measuring the alignment between business objectives and project and portfolios stated that their measurement criterion was ineffective.

The benefits of aligning business strategy with project and portfolio management can be staggering. Even very small companies can realize incredible benefits if they align their business strategy with the projects they undertake. In a global economy business must ensure that they are as efficient as possible to ensure success. Aligning business objectives to the projects a company undertakes with tools to ensure that alignment is simply becoming survival of the most astute.

The Tools Get an Overhaul

There are various products for EPPM the most common being Microsoft Project. Soon to be released is Microsoft Office Project 2007. This update to Project Management software is a significant update but larger still is the release of the updated Project Server 2007 and Portfolio Server 2007 by Microsoft. Let’s take a look at some of these products.

If you are unfamiliar with the capabilities of the Microsoft Office Project 2003 product check out for more information. http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/project/FX100649021033.aspx?CTT=96&Origin=CL101935321033

Microsoft Office Project 2007

Microsoft Project has been the standard software application for Project Management Professionals for over 10 years. The current version Microsoft Office Project 2003 will be succeeded soon by the updated 2007 version.

A plethora of new and updated capabilities:

First let’s look at the new features for Microsoft Project 2007 Standard or Professional:

1) Multiple Level Undo - Reverse the most recent series of changes; that is, undo and redo changes to views, data and options. This functionality also enables you to undo actions or sets of actions from macros or third-party applications.

2) Change Highlighting - When changes are made to a project, all affected task and resource fields are highlighted. Easily see how your change affects the dates of successor tasks, summary costs, and more.

3) Manage non-working time - Named vacations and the option of setting up alternative work weeks enable users to control and understand when resources can work.

4) Visual Reports for Excel - Use Excel to produce charts and graphs based on Office Project 2007 data. Analyze different dimensions of your project with PivotTable views and charts.

5) Visual Reports for Visio Professional - Build work breakdown structure (WBS) or resource diagrams in Office Visio Professional. With data-driven diagrams, users can show progress bars, flag important tasks, color-code on cost, or create custom diagrams to match their project needs.

6) Report templates - Office Project 2007 offers report templates for Office Visio and Office Excel to help a user analyze resource availability, understand project progress and costs, and perform other tasks. Users can customize these reports or create their own templates in Office Visio and Office Excel to share with other Office Project users.

7) Desktop OLAP cube - Create customer reports or archive Project values with data exported from Office Project 2007 into a Microsoft Office Access database and Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) cubes. Six cubes are generated: task time-phased, task non-time-phased, resource time-phased, resource non-time-phased, assignment time-phased, and assignment non-time-phased.
8) Background Cell Highlighting - Highlight important dates, costs, or tasks by changing the background color of cells in the table portion of the view.

9) Hijri Calendar - The lunar calendar that is used in Islamic regions.

10) Task Driver pane - Shows prerequisites and resource constraints that drive the start date of the selected task. The user can click these drivers to link to the relevant information.

11) Cost Resources - Helps enable users to define multiple named time-phased fixed costs on a task. These costs can be grouped and reported as part of a cost type. Supports integration of Office Project 2007 with accounting systems.

12) Budget Tracking - Define a budget at a high level (program or project) so the project manager can allocate funds and track costs, work, and materials against the budget.

Now let’s look at Microsoft Office Project 2007 Standard and Professional significant improvements areas:

1) Gantt charts, calendars, and task sheets - Present Project data in versatile views.

2) Calendar wizard - Simplify the setup process for project calendars and changing working time.

3) Additional Project templates - Jump-start common projects and promote consistency.

As you can see most the new and improved features revolve around organizing the data, communicating and presenting project data. These improvements should help project managers to manage projects and not manage project plans as much.

Now we will look at new and improved features of the 2007 Microsoft Enterprise Project & Portfolio Management Solution (Microsoft EPPM 2007). This solution may include any the following products:

• Microsoft Office Project Professional 2007

• Microsoft Office Project Server 2007

• Microsoft Office Project Portfolio Server 2007

• Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services Version 3.0

• Microsoft SQL Server 2005

• Microsoft Windows Server 2003

For more information on any of these products please click on them to link to the Microsoft Web site that corresponds to that product.

The list of comparison features listed on the Microsoft site explains what features are new and which are upgraded.

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/epmsolution/FX101759381033.aspx

Please check it out!

One of the largest improvements of this system is that it is built entirely on top of the Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 platform. Previous versions were loosely coupled and integrated with SharePoint Services. This one change will make a huge difference of the product. To see what’s new in Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 go here:

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/sharepointtechnology/HA100738471033.aspx

In upcoming articles we will be looking at specific functions of the Microsoft EPM 2007 Solution and why in many areas it is one of the biggest software products to technology improvements ever.

Updates

2006-04-06T01:27:00.000-05:00

I hope this post finds you all well. I have not posted for awhile because I have been a busy bee. I am currently working on several things involving EPM but I will spare you all details (For Now). I will say though that things are going well and I will post about some of these endeavors in the near future.

I have also managed time to peak at the EPM 2007 release and some information provided by Microsoft, if you have not yet had a chance to see the information please check it out - Click Here.

I also wanted to provide a link to a ton of on-demand webcasts that I found while searching the Microsoft site for basic training on EPM for a client. - Click Here

I have also noticed that there seem to be (IMHO) a bunch of changes going on with the Project staff at Microsoft. I am sure that many of you have seen various posts on people coming and going. I know the experience of some of the long timers will be missed and I congratulate them on their new endeavors and I hope the people that attempt to fill their shoes are up to the challenge.

Another item I wanted to bring up was a sincere recommendation on a book on Project Server that was completed last year by several folks at QuantumPM. The book is entitled “Microsoft Office Project Server 2003 Unleashed”. I finally made the time to read a good portion of the book and I can say IMHO it is a fantastic resource. You can find the book at all the regular places online.
Russ – I finally read it!!! Great job to all of you at QuantumPM who participated in it’s creation.

I will try to post some development stuff soon, I promise.