Completely new installation

[lynne]

Hi chaps
I'm in the enviable (?) position of starting up a completely new PMO
in an organisation. Currrently there is nothing installed apart from
a couple of standalone Project Pro 2003 instances.
In my last job I had Server 2003, and just before I left we had
installed WSS 2007 so I was planning to upgrade to EPM 2007 and have a
fully integrated intranet/portfolio management solution.
What would the Group collective wisdom advise I install now?! I've
been told to just purchase what I need - what a great position to be
in. Of course I want to ensure that I deliver the best possible value
for money!
Thanks awfully
lynne

 

[Dale Howard [MVP]]

Lynne --

Our company's official advice to our clients is to wait on purchasing
Project Server 2007 until AT LEAST Service Pack 1. Given the many problems
with Project Server 2007, as evidenced by the issues and concerns reported
in messages in this newsgroup, you would be much better off using the stable
Project Server 2003 product until it is clear that 2007 is working properly.
Just my humble opinion, however. Perhaps a current Project Server 2007 user
can convince you otherwise. Hope this helps.

 

[NZ Projects]

Depending on the focus of the PMO, you may also want to consider Portfolio
Server either in stand alone mode or connected to Project Server.

I'd be wary of driving the PMO with tools and ensure the focus is on process
and standards.

 

[lynne]

Depending on the focus of the PMO, you may also want to consider Portfolio
Server either in stand alone mode or connected to Project Server.

I'd be wary of driving the PMO with tools and ensure the focus is on process
and standards.





- Show quoted text -

I couldn't agree with you more about the process and standards!
Dale's a bit nervous about my using 2007 until SR1, and I'm inclined
to concur. So I'm going to install Project Server 2003 to kinda prove
the concept, and then upgrade as and when.
I have a meeting this afternoon with the exec where I plan to tell
them that no matter how flash the systems in place are, what needs to
be ensured is that there are some standards and process in place, and
that they need to drive that...
Should be interesting!
lynne

 

[Dale Howard [MVP]]

Lynne --

You are a genius, my friend! Your focus on process and standards can
turn your Project Server implementation to a success. Implementing Project
Server 2003 or 2007 isn't as much about the tool as it is about the people.
If you have processes, standards, and methodologies in place for project
management, then you can implement the same for using Project Server.
Regardless of which version you purchase, I would strongly recommend that
you spend plenty of time training and mentoring everyone involved with using
the system. This means that you should give your PM's solid training on
both Microsoft Project to help them build solid project plans, and on
Project Server to help them learn how to use the tool well. Beond this, I
would encourage you to train both team members and your executives to make
sure that everyone is following your company's project management process.
Thanks again for your sage comments!