MS ProjServr&OSS: How are external and an internal users defined?

[jacobsladder]

When I look at possible scenarios for MS Project Server 2007 and MOSS
2007, I see references to external users and internal users.
How are external and internal users defined?
What is the difference between and external user and
an internal user?
Do external users have access to all of the functionality
of MS Project Server and MOSS?

thank you,
jacobsladder

 

[Paul Conroy]

Internal users work for your company, whereas external users do not (ie
suppliers, contractors etc).

External users are in effect identical to internal users with maybe the
exception of how they authenticate to and access PWA.

Where companies do not allow Active Directory accounts for third parties,
you can implement Forms for external users accessing PWA over the Internet.

 

[jacobsladder]

Now I am really confused because I am trying to understand the
difference in the price of licenses for internal users versus external
users? Currently, the project server 2003 which we are not using
is in a DMZ. I plan on everyone accessing the project server 2007
from the internet. So I would consider all of the users in this
scenario external users,whether they work for the company or not.
From your response, the difference between internal and external is a
semantic difference not a technical difference
in terms of rights, permissions, and applications?

Googling for prices: I see the price difference between the
external connection license and regular CALs. I got the impression
that there was no link between the external connection
license and external users.
"You do need an external connection license for External Users?"

If the answer to the above question is Yes; although not legal, if you
have a hundred to two hundred users; say 90% are internal and 10%
external then
one could use external connection license to meet that requirement?

<Begin Personal Opinion>
1. As complicated as licensing is MicroSoft
could encourage the formation of black market if they are
not to careful.

2. Does a microsoft project server simulator running under
virtual server exist. I took a course with global knowledge(GK)
I think and GK put MS Project Server, SQL Server, & WSS
in a virtual machine with MS Project Professional loaded
on the workstation. It was an excellent training environment
I really wish they could have licensed it so at least we
could have an enviroment to learn and play in.
I have always wondered why MS has not done this
with its server products. I know MicroSoft and NIST created
a virtual machines for testing apps with locked down versions
of VISTA and XP as part of the FDCC-Federal Desktop
Core Configuration initiative. If MS can do it for
VISTA & XP, I would hope MS could do it for their
server products too. I believe it would be more
beneficial than the 90-day trials.
</End PersonalOpinion=Nobody cares ;-) >
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[Paul Conroy]

Read the following for a detailed explaination of Project Server 2007 licencing

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/projectserver/fx101662321033.aspx

Microsoft does provide a time-bombed virtual server containing all EPM
technologies for Partners to download. This image is solely for the purpose
of education and demonstrations. If your company has partner status then you
be be able to download it from Microsofts Partner web portal.