During my abscence from this blog, I've been presenting on how to align PPM with Microsoft's EPM Solution (Project Server 2003).

 

The presentation has been a hit, whether we are at a local PMI chapter, one of MS's branches, or a hotel.  We basically present the four areas of PPM (projects, resources, collaboration, portfolio) and then show how to apply best practices for each within MS EPM.

 

However, while attedance and feedback has been tremendous, I've noticed a spread in the expectations/backgrounds of attendees.  Some have no PM experience and want some insight on managing projects, some use Project 2003 Pro and want some tips, some are executive level and are interested in dashboarding.

 

So, my question to you is:  If you were to take the time to attend a seminar like this, what would your expectations  be?

 

 

Project Server 2003 ships with 6 out-of-the-box web parts which you can customize to fit your needs.  However, you'll need to make some changes to both the web parts and SharePoint box to get PWA parts to run on sites not provisioned by Project Server.

 

This link will send you to the Microsoft download containing the help files and code you need to get moving.

If you install Project Server 2003 in a multi-server environment, you must remember to apply your SQL service packs to the SQL Server, the Analysis Server AND the front end Project Server where you have installed Decision Support Objects!

 

Otherwise you may come up with an error of "Could not connect to OLAP Server" when you try to build your cube..

I know I've posted quite a  bit on samples today, but I've been hammering a bunch of VPC's and documentation for some presentations...

 

If you want to Install Project Server 2003 on SQL 2005, Microsoft WILL NOT SUPPORT IT...but there is a work around...click here for some good info on how to do it...

Installing the Project Server 2003 sample database is a piece of cake, just go to Start > Programs > Office Project Server 2003 > Backup and Restore Database and run through the wizard...

 

However, take note...YOU MUST HAVE SQL SERVICE PACK 3(A) INSTALLED!  If not, the wizard will deny you...Also, if you jumped right to SQL Service Pack 4, you will have a dilly of a time trying to fix the problem...

 

If you run into Error running script: sp3_serv_uni.sql or Setup was unable to validate the logged on user.  Press Retry to enter another option, or Cancel to exit setup , there are some fixes listed here .

 

I hate hacking SQL with Query Analyzer, it just doesn't feel clean to me.  So, if all else fails, I recommend DETACHING your databases, back them up and start over...(word of advice, read up on detaching/attaching databases and your restore options first)