Project Central - Opinions

[cosmicchris]

I'm interested in other peoples experiences of MS Project Central.
As Planner for 12 project Engineers in different areas of the country i'm in a position where I need to investigate whether to go with MS Project Central. The problem is, I have no idea of the cost implications of such a move.
Also, my experience of other Microsoft products makes me suspicious of the usefulness of the overall package.
If anyone can give a brief overview of the likely costs and the time periods involved in implementation it would be most helpful. Alternatively if you want to give me a "Yes its worth it" or "No, don't bother with it" - that will suffice.

 

[Storyteller]

Hello cosmicchris,

The cost of implementing Project Central is that you have to have in place Windows 2000 Server, IIS 5, SQL Server before you install Project Central. You will also have to look into Site License issues. If I remember correctly you will need a CAL for everyone who might want to access Project Central (mind you don't quote me on that, the rules change frequently).

Before you install Project Central I would recommend you print the help file/user guide and read it cover to cover and then read it again.

Another reference guide can be found here:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...c0-1aaa-4997-8aeb-aa704513f6ae&DisplayLang=en

Microsoft Project Central 2000: User Manual (ProjectCentralUM.exe)

One more:

http://support.microsoft.com/defaul...port/kb/articles/q282/2/45.asp&NoWebContent=1

Microsoft Knowledge Base Article - 282245
PRJ2000: Microsoft Project 2000 Training Manual
In particular read Appendix A

Hope this helps,
Michael

 

[cosmicchris]

Storyteller, Thanks for the info. This is exactly the sort of info I'm looking. If anyone else has any 1st hand accounts i'll be most grateful

 

[alexhu]

A small 'bug' (Microsoft say expected behaviour) which caused us not to use Project Central;

You can determine if your team members have accepted taks by using the 'Confirmed' column, however the behaviour of this column is a little strange.

Create a task
Response = no (i.e you have not received a reply)
Confirmed = yes (i.e the person will do the task)

Assign a resource
Response = no
Confirmed = no

OK so far!

Do a team assign
Response = no (i.e you have not received a reply)
Confirmed = yes (i.e the person will do the task)

We argued that confirmed should be 'no' until it is changed to 'yes' by the team member accepting the task - but this is expected behaviour according to MS

How do you know which tasks have not been confirmed ?

Alex