How to go from zero to MS Project Server?

[Dave Sell]

All,

our small comany is gearing up to buy its first server. I have the hardware all lined up so that is not an issue (we are going 32-bit Intel).

However, our fearless leader is headstrong on getting MS Project Server.

Thats fine with me, but I havent the first clue about setting up all the supporting stuff.

How is client licensing approached? How does active directory fit in? We want MS Project Server so we can all access the system via the web as we are a distributed company. We also want our clients to get access to the website, so do we have to buy a CAL for each of them?

I've never messed around with AD or Exchange server. I have some experience with NT servers, but from years ago before AD.

Any advice? Anyone else been through this? Is this something I can do? Maybe there is a company out there that "rents" out its MS Project Server to small comanies like us? Anyone hear of such a company or better yet, use one?

Dave

[RobDog888]

Microsoft is supposed to be putting out Office web versions as a light version of certain office apps. They are trying to keep up with Google and OpenOffice web services.

I know that on the network MS Project Server needs CALs so you can connect, but I did find this that states even the web accecss needs a CAL. Couldnt you create a single windows user account that all clients sould use, one at a time or something like that. It will limit your CALs to only one but I dont know how to distinguish the clients apart and prevent them from viewing other clients projects? Maybe folder permissions.

Project Server 2003 Client Access Licenses (CALs) are required for each device or user that accesses the features and services of Project Server 2003, for example to take advantage of Project Web Access.

This should be in General Developer Dave. Do you want it moved? Or at least put the [Serious] tag.

[Dave Sell]

ya plz move - i didnt know the appropriate forum.

[RobDog888]

No problem, just didnt think you wanted to get allot of chit chat type of responses.

I found this link which should help you.

http://www.microsoft.com/office/proj.../choosing.mspx

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/FX011204851033.aspx

You can get a free trial version of it to test out before you buy too. Also, you can get a SDK for it on the home page at the very bottom or directly from here - http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en

[Dave Sell]

That's weird - they actually are recommending to use VB 6 to make COM add-ins to Project 2003. Guess VB 6 and COM have yet to outlive their usefulness...

[RobDog888]

There are some code examples using C# too.

[Dave Sell]

C# yes, but using COM. I just found it surprising they even mention VB6 enaymore.

[RobDog888]

Probably because there is no Add-In support under .NET 2002, 2003 or 2005. You can do some automation but its still limited.

However, there are big changes on the horizon with Office 2006.
A completely new file system comprized of a compressed XML format that is supposed to be Open Source for other developers and companies to be able to develop enhancements and other utilities for Office.

[Dave Sell]

Follow up:

I looked into setting it up ourself and figured it'd be easier to go with a hosting company.

I called a hosting company and with just 10 users, it will cost $600+/ month!

So now I am back to the drawing board, looking to set this up myself. Bugger.

[RobDog888]

The thing is that once you pay them for 10 users they buy 10 CALs. When you decide to discontinue service they still retian the CALs and they will have been paid by then and for the next client that signs up they will be making pure profits for the 10 at least. Its one of those initial investments thing that after your up and running you will be making big $$$ after a while.

Hello my name is Robdog888. I am a long lost relative needing some money from you in the form of a Grant.

[-TPM-]

I don't know if it's the same for Project Server, but generally server CAL's work 1 of 2 ways; per seat or per server.
Per seat you need 1 CAL for every user, those users can then access any of your servers.
Per server is concurrent connections to the server. You can have 1000's of user's, but only 100 CAL's if that's all that'll connect at one time. You do however need the per server CAL's for each server.

[RobDog888]

Here is the actual Licensing description of an Project Server CAL:

Project Server 2003 Client Access Licenses (CALs) are required for each device or user that accesses the features and services of Project Server 2003, for example to take advantage of Project Web Access.

[-TPM-]

Ok so the project server only uses per client. You'll also need 2000/2003 server CAL's though.

[Dave Sell]

Which is cheaper? We have under 10 employees, and need connections for at least 10 customers, for remote access?

[Dave Sell]

Sounds like we have to go with user CALs?

[RobDog888]

Project Server 2003 requires Windows 2000 Server with Service Pack 3 (SP3) or later, Windows 2000 Advanced Server with SP3 or later, Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition, or Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition.

SharePoint Services requires Windows Server 2003.

Project Server 2003 requires SQL Server 2000 SP3 or later for enterprise project management functionality. If you want to access the Portfolio Analyzer and other advanced features over the Internet, you will need to use SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition.


So depending on the features you want to use (Server 2003 required under any circumstances because of SharePoint), you will be required to use SQL Server 2000 SP3 or later for enterprise project management functionality. If you want to access the Portfolio Analyzer and other advanced features over the Internet, you will need to use SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition.

[RobDog888]

Also, Outlook 2003 is a great addition since you can directly view projects in the Outlook Calendar and do time reporting to Outlook.

[Dave Sell]

Yes, we want to go all out with this - web enabled access and all. I am very interested in licensing costs... hint hint...

[RobDog888]

Ok, then I will see what I can get. 20 CALs right? Hopefully I can get it today. Its 4:20 Pm Firday night. Everyone likes to leave early for the weekend you know.

[Dave Sell]

Thanks! 20 CALs is what I think we need - just remember - I don't necessarily have the right opinion.

[RobDog888]

Looks like I wont be able to get the quote until Monday but they will work on it as its already in the system for them to quote. I also asked for Project Professional 2003 price too. Wasnt sure if you had any already or not.