Learning Proj Server implementation

[Terry Montgomery]

Greetings,

As expected any Microsoft server product gets deep fairly quickly. And, as
expected most organizations undershoot the time and effort it takes to get a
product like Project Server up and running in a state that can offer real
value in getting projects done.
Please give me your opinions as to who offers a good classroom training
program that can help shorten the ramp up time for me to get a firm grip on
Project Server. I know there may be people in this group that actually offer
such training so I don't mind the sales pitch if you can back it up with
facts. I would be open to hear other options on learning Project Server.
Maybe its the Pink Floyd answer: "Kid, get down and deal with it!"
BTW am I going to end up being a MS DBA or MCSE by default before this is
all done?

Thanks,

 

[eswb10]

Terry -

I am in Dallas and would be happy to help with some recommendations and
perhaps some tools. Contact me at markdoteverett at gmaildotcom.

Now, to respond to your questions:

1. Project Server 2003, out of the box, is pretty functional and for
organizations wanting to explore the capabilities, that is a pretty
good place to start.

2. Training - I don't know of any classroom training like Executrain
that offers Project Server training of any sort, and certainly not what
you want, which is Admin training. MSProjectExperts (the Dale Howard
and Gary Chefetz team) has an excellent book that you should order
right now! As a matter of fact, get two; get the Admin book and the
Project Manager book. They offer onsite training too. In addition, I
would also download the Microsoft online books. Print out the
Application Configuration Guide and the Administrators Guide.

3. How to learn? By doing - working with an implementer is a good way.
Formal training is useful, but hands on experience is best. Project
Server 2003 has a lot of nuances and it really takes hands on
experience to figure some of it out. You also need some tools - a
configuration workbook with the default settings helps. You should be
able to get a trial license from Microsoft, so if you can get a server
and Project Pro 2003, you can start!

4. Don't know about the MCSE or DBA stuff. I am neither. I do know
who the right people are and I know how to facilitate resolution calls,
so we generally work it out. If you have a problem requiring DBA
knowledge....that's probably a big problem.

5. Join MPUG.

Hope this helps.
Mark