Features & Benefits of using MS Project Server

J

jp

Hi,

I was wondering if can inform me of the benefits of using

MS Project Server. What I can think of are:

* A way for all to update their tasks by going to an electronic single
location
* A way to do more enhanced reporting -- since it may use SQL server?
* ???

Thanks for your answers.

-jp
 
D

Dale Howard [MVP]

jp --

This is a good question that could generate lots of opinions from users in
this group. I hope others will share their thoughts as well. A couple of
benefits for using Project Server 2007 include:

1. The system stores projects are stored in a central data repository
(several SQL Server databases). This makes it easier to back up all project
data, and allows for custom reporting using a tool like SQL Reporting
Services.

2. The system allows team members to report progress on their task work via
a Web timesheet, allows project managers to approve or reject the task
updates, and then allows the PM to "push" the task updates directly into the
Microsoft Project 2007 plan. This means that PMs do not need to manually
enter progress on tasks.

3. The system allows self-service reporting on projects and people to
executives and resource managers using a friend Web interface (via the
Project Center, Resource Center, and Data Analysis pages).

4. The system allows all parties interested in a project (PM, team members,
and executives) to collaborate together about Risks, Issues, Deliverables,
and Documents related to the project in the Project Workspace using powerful
SharePoint functionality.

Just a few thoughts. I invite others to share their thoughts as well. Hope
this helps.
 
J

jp

Hi Dale,

Yes, I think one of the key functions from the list you have provide is the
ability to create custom reports. I think lots of people and places have
standardaized reports and/or want enhanced custom reports. That ability
would certainly provide more capability to the overall Project Management
system.

There are an abundant number of features that I believe would empower not
only the PM but the executives as well. Another quick question:

Does MS Project Server come bunbled with the Portfolio Management component?
As a general question would Server Project also come with a portal like
sharepoint?
And would adding project documentation be an included function of this system?

Thanks

-jp
 
D

Dale Howard [MVP]

jp --

To answer your questions:

1. Project Portfolio Server does not come bundled with Project Server 2007.
That is a separate purchase. Keep in mind, however, that you can do
portfolio management with Project Server 2007, but not to the extent you
find it in the Project Portfolio Server software.

2. Project Server 2007 includes Windows SharePoint Services 3.0.

3. When a PM publishes a project, the system automatically creates a
Project Workspace in WSS 3.0, in which all interested parties can
collaborate together to manage Risks, Issues, Deliverables, and Documents
associated with the project. This means that the PM or others can upload
project-related documents to a document library in the Project Workspace for
the project in question.

Hope this helps.
 
A

Andre Venter

Jp,

Just a quick something id like to mention, the "New" 2010 version will have
more Portfolio Management capibilities out of the box than the current 2007
version.
--
Andre Venter
Technical Consultant
UMT South Africa
MCP
MCSE 2000
MCITP Project
MCTS Managing Projects
MCTS Confiuring Project Server
MCTS Charter Member
MCTS MOSS
MCITP Charter member
 
J

.jussi

Hi Jp,

Dale touched most of the benefits that we are seeing from our Project Server
2007 implementation. One area he did not mention is resource management. Just
by using the built in tools you get a decent view of resource allocation and
capacity. This can be further enhanced using SQL Server reporting services.

All in all the reporting services integration is perhaps the most
undervalued feature of Project Server - at least to a technically adept PMO
that is able to fully leverage an MS SQL Server database. Project Server
itself provides a great amount of flexibility for recording project data, but
reporting on custom data is greatly enhanced by using the reporting services.

Since the web interface of PS2007 is built on Sharepoint Services, it is
very extensible if you have .net web application / sharepoint development
capabilities available. Programmatical interfaces to almost all underlying
functionality exist and the API is reasonably well documented.

The functionality I am personally disappointed with is the task work
tracking. In the 2007 it frankly feels unfinished and cumbersome. It is
functional, but there are parts that are unintuitive, less than perfectly
integrated and as a special note the my tasks web control is simply a poor
implementation.

Overall Project Server 2007 is an excellent tool for project managers and
the PMO. Out of the box it is not so great for the work resources. This can
be alleviated with custom development at least to an extent.

Hope that helps,
- Jussi
 
J

jp

Thanks Dale.
That did answer my question.
It seems this server env. is a perfect scenario for someone or a company
that is serious in making project management pay off in the areas of saving
money,
completing projects ontime or earlier. Learning where money goes and how to
do it better the next time around plus alot more that I can't write in a blog.

-JP
 
G

Gary Chefetz

Rob:

To be publicly unveiled, but not exactly "launched." I would expect to see
RTM sometime next year.
 
J

jp

Is it because its more costly to have:

* A dedicated server (buy or reuse)
* A MS-SQL server (buy or use from others)
* An alloted resource to keep the OS and DB up-to-date and backedup?
* A dedicated investment in the server software and
* Training to be able to use the software to get the benefits from it

Am I missing things?

-jp
 

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