Can Project 2007 Server coexist with Project 2007 Professional...

[CNT]

Hi,

We have a "Microsoft supported" install of project 2007 server... all is
working fine... no issues with the application or the server, and I aim to
keep it that way. However to add a certain functionality, a consulting firm
has suggested running a macro within Project 2007 Porfessional, which would
be installed on the project server. Knowing how consultant are good to bring
a solution but not so efficient in providing support afterwards, I want ot
know if the two can coexist and remain a "microsoft supported" install.

CNT

 

[Jack Dahlgren MVP]

Yes they can. Project Professional is the client software for Project
Server.

Of course, Microsoft is not going to support the macro itself - so the
consultant should be responsible for it if it doesn't work or doesn't do
what it is designed to do. Microsoft can't prevent bugs in the macro.

What functionality is the macro providing?

-Jack Dahlgren

 

[Marc Soester [MVP]]

hi CNT,

it is very normal to customise Project Server, which by the way its one of
its strength. Running a MS Project Macro still gives you Microsoft Support.
It very much depends on what you want to achive in order to give you an
appropiate answer. Not knowing your consultant at all, I would check if he /
she has EPM experience, meaning to check that he / she knows what they are
doing. They may also have maintennace and support agreements that you can
discuss with them.

Hope this helps

 

[Gary Chefetz]

Automation through Winproj on the server is possible, but it's fraught with
problems. Also, many organizations prohibit installing client applications
on servers. The only reasons why you would need to do this is if you're
attempting to automate calendar or baseline data changes. Otherwise, your
consultant should be using the PSI as much as possible.

 

[Mark Everett | PMP]

Hi,

   We have a "Microsoft supported" install of project 2007 server... all is
working fine... no issues with the application or the server, and I aim to
keep it that way. However to add a certain functionality, a consulting firm
has suggested running a macro within Project 2007 Porfessional, which would
be installed on the project server. Knowing how consultant are good to bring
a solution but not so efficient in providing support afterwards, I want ot
know if the two can coexist and remain a "microsoft supported" install.

CNT

It won't be an issue with Microsoft Support as long as you don't ask
them to support the macro or to support the macro's actions. The
macro needs to be extensively tested. I worked with a client recently
that used a macro to launch an integration application between an ERP
application and Project. However, if would prevent logins to Project
Server. The consulting firm didn't know how to fix it and so we had
to develop a fairly complex set of actions that would allow both
applications to co-exist. The one you are dealing with may be much
simpler and more benign, but it needs to be tested by all users who
can access Project Server 2007 via Project Professional, including
offline modes.

Hope this helped,

Best Regards,
Mark Everett PMP | MCITP
www.catapultsystems.com