A few things about Project 2010

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

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