Portfolio Server Question

[John]

All,
I'm using portfolio server 2007 and have been given a business problem.
Our IT organization is the main user of PPS. However, if I turn the
solution into a hosted one (for external customers), I'm presented with 2
options: 1) create multiple accounts (one per organization) or 2) use one
account and multiple organizations.
Option #1 is unacceptable to our customers (because the system forces dual
logins), so we're thinking option #2 might work. If someone knows how to
make option 1 work with Active Directory logins, I'm all ears.
Option #2 only works if my customers want the same information as I do on
each tab. So I've been thinking about modifying tabs. Having already gone
into the ASPX file, I can create new tabs, etc. However, there is no place
to control these new tabs (read-only, editable, etc). Likewise, there's no
place to control these via workflow. If someone knows how to make this
work, I'm all ears.

Thanks in advance for responding.

John
EPM Admin

 

[Ajit]

Hi John,

If I understood the case clearly here is my suggestions:

Option 1: Multiple Accounts - One Per Organization ( I wont opt for it!!!)

As far as I know, it will ask for dual login if you don't opt for SSO
(Windows Authentication). If you have already opted for SSO then ignore the
following steps.

i)-Windows Authentication (SSO). You have to choose it while installing SQL.

ii)-While adding users in MOPPS (User Management), put the login information
like "Domain\login id".

iii)- You can choose to skip in setting a password in this case.

iv)- Important: Check the box selecting "This user uses integrated
authentication ONLY."

v)- This would allow the users to login with their SSO settings.

vi)- I would not go for Option-1 as it makes all my accounts (instances)
open for any given user.

Note:
In Portfolio Server (MOPPS) 2007 Settings area, to my knowledge, there is no
provisions available that you can directly do active directory
synchronization. like the way we do in Project Server to auto populate users
from AD. However, in case you have Project Server & MOSS existed in the same
farm that of MOPPS, then you can set SSO in the central administration area.
This helps us to import resources from Project Server to MOPPS through
Project Server Gateway.

Option-2: use one account and multiple organizations:

i)- I would prefer this as far as your requirement is concerned.

ii)-As you said that you can create different tabs, use the ASPX. But note
that, you have to be specific & careful as which ASPX to modify such as
Projects, Programs & Portfolio's. (Please please keep a back up of the ASPX
before editing else everything goes for a toss!)

iii)- Once after creating the tabs in ASPX, do check in selecting a
Project/program for editing or adding a new entity whether the new tabs are
populated or not. If not, check the aspx

iv)-If yes, next go to Settings >> Workflow Management >> Lifecycle
Management >> Step Settings Management.

v)- Choose the Custom Tab that you have created and opt for Editable,
Readonly or Invisible.

I hope this helps.

Thanks & Regards
Ajit Mishra, MCITP
www.epmguru.com
http://microsoft-epm.blogspot.com/

 

[Gary Chefetz]

John:

Are you planning on moving to 2010 early in the cycle? If so, the new
version contains features that handle multi-tenancy quite nicely.

 

[John]

Gary,
No, actually we just upgraded to PS and PPS 2007 in June of 09. Our
organization is pretty conservative, so we probably won't upgrade to PS 2010
until late 2011 or 2012.

 

[John]

Thanks Ajit. I will give your suggestions a try and see where I end up.

John

 

[John]

Ajit,
The new tab is available for use when adding a new Project entity. However,
when going to the workflow management, only the PPS default tabs are listed
to be editable, readonly or invisible. Any suggestions?

John

 

[Ajit]

Hi John,

Good that you are able to see the new tabs while adding the new entities. By
default as the custom-made tabs are not coming on the workflow steps
settings, you might have to edit & add the new tabs to the Workflow
(Step-Setting)aspx. (I've never tried this though but there could be no other
way).

Once again, MOPPS 2007 is very sensitive so keep a back up of your aspx
before editing.

Thanks & Regards
Ajit Mishra, MCITP
www.epmguru.com
http://microsoft-epm.blogspot.com/

 

[John]

Thanks Ajit. My co-admin who does this type of work is out of the office
for the next week. Once he gets back, I'll have him try this. I'll follow
up with you in this newsgroup once we have some results.

John