40 posts from: TonyZink's MSProject Reporter Blog
Solution-Building for Non-Geeks: Overview
(Indexed 2007-10-24):
Body: Hyped-Up Intro (or Why SharePoint + MS Project = Cool) First, let me start by saying that I have nothing against "geeks" I'm actually a geek at heart, but at this point couldn't write a snippet of .NET code to save my life. I'm more of a functional guy who knows enough to be quite dangerous with SharePoint and Project Server which is why the stuff that I'm about to share is so cool! In this and the following series of posts, we'll review how to use SharePoint Designer 2007 -- one of the ne...(truncated)...
Hacking PWA with SimpleUI: Getting More Screen Real Estate
(Indexed 2007-10-09):
Body: As discussed last time, PWA 2007 offers a little-known, yet surprisingly simple way to hack the interface through the web browser's address bar using a parameter called SimpleUI. This feature, combined with some of the powerful features of Windows SharePoint Services (WSS) 3.0 technology (upon which PWA 2007 is built), as well as a little bit of not-so-fancy footwork, can be used to easily gain some much-needed screen real-estate. In this installment, we'll see how easy it is to add a simp...(truncated)...
Hacking PWA with SimpleUI
(Indexed 2007-08-08):
Body: As with Project Web Access (PWA) 2003, PWA 2007 offers a little-known, yet surprisingly simple way to hack the interface through the web browser's address bar using a parameter called SimpleUI. Because the latest-and-greatest Project Web Access (PWA) interface included with Project Server 2007 is now built upon the new Windows SharePoint Services (WSS) 3.0 technology, we now have nearly limitless options for customizing the web interface either through custom programming or configuration d...(truncated)...
MS Project Reporting: Schedule Status Indicator
(Indexed 2007-07-23):
Body: This post is the fourth in a series of posts describing several methods of generating reports using MS Project on the desktop. Last time we looked at how to use filters to narrow down the data which is displayed in MS Project reports. The technique shown below displays a column of Graphical Indicators in your MS Project schedule which provides a quick "at-a-glance" view of how the tasks are tracking against the Baseline. The technique utilizes MS Project's ability to use Custom Fields, For...(truncated)...
MSProject Reporter RSS Feeds Now Available
(Indexed 2007-06-19):
Body: For those of you who visit the MSProject Reporter site (http://www.msprojectreporter.com) on a regular basis for the latest MSProject-related posts and jobs, you've probably noticed the pretty orange RSS icons on the home page...You now have two options for automatically receiving the latest MS PRoject info... the weekly e-mail newsletter and the new RSS feeds for MS Project-related posts and MS Project jobs. If you prefer e-mail over RSS, and if you haven't signed up already, please visit...(truncated)...
MS Project Reporting: Narrowing Things Down with Filters
(Indexed 2007-06-15):
Body: This post is the third in a series of postsdescribing several methods of generating reports using MS Project on the desktop. Last time we discussed how to create custom Tables to expose the data that we need for our Project Reports. Now that we are able to display the Columns that we need for our Reports, perhaps we don't want to include all of the line items (whether they are Tasks, Resources, or Assignments). For example, perhaps we've been asked to generate a Report which only shows Pro...(truncated)...
MS Project Reporting: Exposing Data with Custom Tables
(Indexed 2007-06-14):
Body: Last time we briefly discussed some of the reasons why Project Managers often skip using the built-in Reports in MS Project, and we looked at some of the fundamental concepts around Tables and Views. Now that we (hopefully!) understand some of the differences between Tables and Views in MS Project, how do we create or modify them to generate the data that we need for reporting?One way to manipulate a Table or View in MS Project to generate a desired Report is by adding, removing, and movin...(truncated)...
MS Project Reporting: Tables and Views Primer
(Indexed 2007-06-13):
Body: Traditionally, the built-in reports that were included with Microsoft Project desktop tool often did not meet the business needs of Project Managers and stakeholders for many organizations. Because of this, many people have been forced to find other ways to present the required data for project status reporting. One common method that people have used to generated project reports is via custom-built Tables and Views. This post, as well as the next few posts, will share some techniques that...(truncated)...
Registration Now Open: MS Project Conference 2007
(Indexed 2007-03-29):
Body: Open registrationhas just been announced for theMicrosoft OfficeProject Conference 2007; visit the website for more details:http://www.msprojectconference.comThis year's US event will be held at the Washington State Trade and Convention Center in Seattle, Washington, October 28-31. The schedule has shifted from last year's conference, which was held in the middle of the week; this year, there will be a Sunday evening welcome reception, followed by conference sessions Monday thru Wednesday....(truncated)...
Attend the 2007 Project Conference: October 28-31
(Indexed 2007-03-13):
Body: It's time to start gearing up for the long-awaited 2007 Microsoft Project Conference!Although it has not yet been posted to the MS Project Conference website (http://www.msprojectconference.com), the dates, location, and some other preliminary information have been solidified and shared through the Microsoft Partner channel:Microsoft Office Project Conference 2007Dates: October 28-31, 2007Location: Washington State Trade and Convention Center, Seattle, WASince the attendance has been growi...(truncated)...
Creating Multiple Project Server 2007 Instances in a Snap
(Indexed 2007-02-10):
Body: For those of you who have some experience creating multiple instances of Project Server 2003 in the same environment (one default instance for production, one for training, one for development, or one for each department in the company), you know that it's not exactly as easy as a walk in the park. If you have a detailed step-by-step procedure (as I do), as well as all of the required software (Project Server 2003 EditSite tool, installation media for creating new databases, and database s...(truncated)...
How to Create a Project Server 2007 VPC Image: The Whole 9 Yards
(Indexed 2007-01-22):
Body: Now that I've finally completed my series of posts describing how to build a Microsoft Office Project Server 2007 Virtual PC image for demos and development work, here is a one-stop-shopping index of all 20 posts:Part 1: Getting Started, Installing IIS, and Installing .NET Framework 2.0Part 2: Installing and Configuring POP3 EmailPart 3: Installing and Configuring Outlook 2007Part 4: Installing and Configuring the .NET FrameworkPart 5: Installing SQL Server 2005Part 6: Configuring SQL Serv...(truncated)...
How to Create a Project Server 2007 VPC Image: Part 20
(Indexed 2007-01-21):
Body: Welcome to part 20 in a series of posts which describe how to create a Microsoft Office Project Server 2007 Virtual PC image for demos and development work. Last time, we looked at how to optimize our Project Server 2007 VPC image. This time, well look at how to use Virtual PCs differencing disks feature, which allows us to effectively lock down our new VPC image and use it as a base for creating multiple virtual machines for demos and development work, while conserving hard disk space at ...(truncated)...
How to Create a Project Server 2007 VPC Image: Part 19
(Indexed 2007-01-19):
Body: Welcome to part 19 in a series of posts which describe how to create a Microsoft Office Project Server 2007 Virtual PC image for demos and development work. Last time, we looked at how install a set of warm-up scripts which will help improve the initial performance of the Project Server 2007 virtual machine after boot-ups. This time, well look at how to optimize the size and performance of our Project Server 2007 VPC image.Part 19: Optimizing the Project Server 2007 VPC ImageKill unnecessa...(truncated)...
How to Create a Project Server 2007 VPC Image: Part 18
(Indexed 2007-01-18):
Body: Welcome to part 18 in a series of posts which describe how to create a Microsoft Office Project Server 2007 Virtual PC image for demos and development work. Last time, we looked at how to install some of the Office 2007 applications into our virtual machine. This time, well look at how to install a set of warm-up scripts which will help improve the initial performance of the Project Server 2007 virtual machine after boot-ups.Part 18: Installing Warm-up ScriptsDownload the warm-up scripts:F...(truncated)...
How to Create a Project Server 2007 VPC Image: Part 17
(Indexed 2007-01-17):
Body: Welcome to part 17 in a series of posts which describe how to create a Microsoft Office Project Server 2007 Virtual PC image for demos and development work. Last time, we looked at how to install Project Professional 2007 into our virtual machine. This time, well look at how to install some of the Office 2007 desktop applications, including Word 2007, Excel 2007, Powerpoint 2007, and Access 2007.Part 17: Installing Office 2007 ApplicationsInsert the Office 2007 installation media, start th...(truncated)...
How to Create a Project Server 2007 VPC Image: Part 16
(Indexed 2007-01-16):
Body: Welcome to part 16 in a series of posts which describe how to create a Microsoft Office Project Server 2007 Virtual PC image for demos and development work. Last time, we looked at how to configure the Project Server OLAP cube building service. This time, well look at how to install and configure Project Professional 2007 inside the virtual machine.Part 16: Install and Configure Project Professional 2007Installing Project Professional 2007Insert the Project Professional 2007 installation m...(truncated)...
How to Create a Project Server 2007 VPC Image: Part 15
(Indexed 2007-01-15):
Body: Welcome to part 15 in a series of posts which describe how to create a Microsoft Office Project Server 2007 Virtual PC image for demos and development work. Last time, we looked at how to create an instance of Project Server, including the Project Web Access site. This time, well look at how to configure the Project Server OLAP cube building service inside the virtual machine.Part 15: Configuring the Cube Building ServiceDownload the Microsoft SQL Server Native Client:Filename: sqlncli.msi...(truncated)...
How to Create a Project Server 2007 VPC Image: Part 14
(Indexed 2007-01-12):
Body: Welcome to part 14 in a series of posts which describe how to create a Microsoft Office Project Server 2007 Virtual PC image for demos and development work. Last time, we looked at how to create the Project Server top-level site. This time, well look at how to create an instance of Project Server 2007, including a Project Web Access site.Part 14: Creating an Instance of Project Server 2007If the SharePoint Central Administration website isnt already open, select Start > Administrative Tool...(truncated)...
How to Create a Project Server 2007 VPC Image: Part 13
(Indexed 2007-01-11):
Body: Welcome to part 13 in a series of posts which describe how to create a Microsoft Office Project Server 2007 Virtual PC image for demos and development work. Last time, we looked at how to create a Project Server 2007 Shared Services Provider. This time, well look at how to create the Project Server top-level site.Part 13: Creating the Project Server Top-Level SiteIf the SharePoint Central Administration website isnt already open, select Start > Administrative Tools > SharePoint 3.0 Central...(truncated)...
How to Create a Project Server 2007 VPC Image: Part 12
(Indexed 2007-01-10):
Body: Welcome to part 12 in a series of posts which describe how to create a Microsoft Office Project Server 2007 Virtual PC image for demos and development work. Last time, we looked at how to start a couple of the important services required by Project Server 2007. This time, well look at how to create a Shared Services Provider (SSP).Part 12: Creating a Shared Services ProviderIf the SharePoint Central Administration website isnt already open, select Start > Administrative Tools > SharePoint ...(truncated)...
How to Create a Project Server 2007 VPC Image: Part 11
(Indexed 2007-01-09):
Body: Welcome to part 11 in a series of posts which describe how to create a Microsoft Office Project Server 2007 Virtual PC image for demos and development work. Last time, we looked at how to configure the Internet Explorer 7 web browser security settings so that we can access the SharePoint Central Administration site, as well as the Project Web Access site that we will create later. This time, well look at how to start a couple of the important services required by Project Server 2007.Part 1...(truncated)...
How to Create a Project Server 2007 VPC Image: Part 10
(Indexed 2007-01-08):
Body: Welcome to part 10 in a series of posts which describe how to create a Microsoft Office Project Server 2007 Virtual PC image for demos and development work. Last time, we looked at how to install and configure the Project Server 2007 application. This time, well look at how to configure the Internet Explorer 7 web browser security settings so that we can access the SharePoint Central Administration site, as well as the Project Web Access site that we will create later.Part 10: Setting Up I...(truncated)...
How to Create a Project Server 2007 VPC Image: Part 9
(Indexed 2007-01-05):
Body: Welcome to part 9 in a series of posts which describe how to create a Microsoft Office Project Server 2007 Virtual PC image for demos and development work. Last time, we looked at how to create the accounts necessary for Project Server operation. This time, well look at how to install and configure the Project Server 2007 application.Part 9: Installing and Configuring the Project Server 2007 ApplicationInstall the Project Server 2007 ApplicationInsert the Project Server 2007 installation m...(truncated)...
How to Create a Project Server 2007 VPC Image: Part 8
(Indexed 2007-01-04):
Body: Welcome to part 8 in a series of posts which describe how to create a Microsoft Office Project Server 2007 Virtual PC image for demos and development work. Last time, we looked at how to install SQL Server 2005 SP1 inside our VPC image. This time, well look at how to create the accounts necessary for Project Server operation.Part 8: Creating the Project Server AccountsCreate the SQLService Local User AccountSelect Start > Administrative Tools > Computer Management:[Image]In the left pane o...(truncated)...
How to Create a Project Server 2007 VPC Image: Part 7
(Indexed 2007-01-03):
Body: Welcome to part 7 in a series of posts which describe how to create a Microsoft Office Project Server 2007 Virtual PC image for demos and development work. Last time, we looked at how to configure SQL Server 2005. This time, well look at how to install SQL Server 2005 Service Pack 1 (SP1).Part 7: Installing SQL Server 2005 SP1Download SQL Server 2005 SP1:Filename: SQLServer2005SP1-KB913090-x86-ENU.exeDownload URL: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=cb6...(truncated).....(truncated)...
How to Create a Project Server 2007 VPC Image: Part 6
(Indexed 2007-01-02):
Body: Welcome to part 6 in a series of posts which describe how to create a Microsoft Office Project Server 2007 Virtual PC image for demos and development work. Last time, we looked at how to install SQL Server 2005 inside our VPC image. This time, well look at how to configure SQL Server 2005 inside the virtual machine for storing our Project Server 2007 data.Part 6: Configuring SQL Server 2005Select Start > All Programs > Microsoft SQL Server 2005 > Configuration Tools > SQL Server Surface Ar...(truncated)...
How to Create a Project Server 2007 VPC Image: Part 5
(Indexed 2007-01-01):
Body: Welcome to part 5 in a series of posts which describe how to create a Microsoft Office Project Server 2007 Virtual PC image for demos and development work. Last time, we looked at how to install and configure the .NET framework inside our VPC image. This time, well look at how to install SQL Server 2005 inside the virtual machine.Part 5: Installing SQL Server 2005Insert the SQL Server 2005 installation media, start the installation, then click Install: Server components, tools, Books Onlin...(truncated)...
How to Create a Project Server 2007 VPC Image: Part 4
(Indexed 2006-12-30):
Body: Welcome to part 4 in a series of posts which describe how to create a Microsoft Office Project Server 2007 Virtual PC image for demos and development work. Last time, we looked at how to install and configure Outlook 2007 inside our VPC image. This time, well look at how to install and configure the .NET framework inside the virtual machine.Part 4: Installing and Configuring the .NET FrameworkInstall the .NET 3.0 FrameworkDownload the .NET 3.0 Framework:Filename: dotnetfx3setup.exeDownload...(truncated)...
How to Create a Project Server 2007 VPC Image: Part 3
(Indexed 2006-12-28):
Body: Welcome to part 3 in a series of posts which describe how to create a Microsoft Office Project Server 2007 Virtual PC image for demos and development work. Last time, we looked at how to install and configure POP3 email inside our VPC image. This time, well look at how to install and configure Outlook 2007 inside the virtual machine for testing Project Server 2007 email functions.Part 3: Installing and Configuring Outlook 2007Insert the Office 2007 installation media, start the installatio...(truncated)...
How to Create a Project Server 2007 VPC Image: Part 2
(Indexed 2006-12-27):
Body: Welcome to part 2 in a series of posts which describe how to create a Microsoft Office Project Server 2007 Virtual PC image for demos and development work. Last time, we looked at whats needed, how to get started, and how to install Internet Information Services (IIS) with the .NET Framework 2.0. This time, well look at how to install and configure POP3 email inside the virtual machine for testing Project Server 2007 email functions.Part 2: Installing and Configuring POP3 EmailSelect Start...(truncated)...
How to Create a Project Server 2007 VPC Image: Part 1
(Indexed 2006-12-26):
Body: I have finally been able to create a fully-functional Project Server 2007 Virtual PC image, including POP3 email service for testing email functions! To celebrate this accomplishment, I've decided to share my process, step-by-step, screenshots included. Because documenting this process with screenshots is so lengthy, it will be broken into a series of posts on this blog.Although I ask that you don't consider this to be the ultimate authority on how to create a Project Server 2007 VPC image...(truncated)...
Blogging About MSProject on the SharePoint 2007 Platform
(Indexed 2006-12-15):
Body: It's been a while since I last posted to the MSProject Reporter blog, but now I'm now back in the blogging groove... and doing it on the SharePoint 2007 platform.If you've been considering starting a new blog -- or finding a different blogging platform -- then you might want to check out PPT Spaces (http://www.pptspaces.com). You can get a free SharePoint 2007-based blog, so it's a good way to get your hands on the latest SharePoint technology.I've been working a lot with SharePoint (MOSS)...(truncated)...
Email Continues to be a Poor PM Tool
(Indexed 2006-10-12):
Body: I've heard people state that MS Excel is the number 1 competitor to MS Project as a Project Management tool... but I'm not so sure that I agree with that statement. I think that we're forgetting about perhaps the most commonly-used business tool in our toolboxes... Email. It's used for nearly everything... including task scheduling, status updating, issue tracking and resolution, and document storage.Don't deny it... we ALL do it!I say that if MS Excel is the number 1 competitor to MS Proj...(truncated)...
Project Collaboration Groundwork: SharePoint
(Indexed 2006-10-11):
Body: Communication and Collaboration:If you've managed projects for any amount of time, you have probably come to realize that much of your job as a Project Manager is not spent in front of a computer screen, building and updating project schedules, but rather it is spent communicating and collaborating with the members of your project team. Whether you use the latest-and-greatest Microsoft EPM system or good old face-to-face communication, much of your time is spent communicating task assignme...(truncated)...
Tweaking Assignment Durations
(Indexed 2006-09-27):
Body: I got an interesting question last week regarding how to modify individual task assignments when more than one resource is assigned to a task, so I thought that I would share the answer here..."When I enter the estimates for how long a project is going to take, I enter the duration for how long the task is going to take. Is it possible to enter a duration for each individual person? Say for example the duration for a task is 40 days, can I have one person only be assigned for 5 of those 40...(truncated)...
Jobs Now Available on MSPRoject Reporter Site
(Indexed 2006-09-21):
Body: As some of you may have already noticed, I've added MSProject-related job postings to the MSProject Reporter website (http://www.msprojectreporter.com). These jobs are listed nation-wide (USA), they are indexed daily (like the blog posts), and are included in the weekly email newsletter.On a related note, I've also added jobs to my other Reporter sites, such as the Project Management Reporter (http://www.pmreporter.com), .NET Reporter (http://www.dotnetreporter.com), and SharePoint Reporte...(truncated)...
Project Server Security: Simplified
(Indexed 2006-09-07):
Body: Yesterday I posted a response to a question on the MS Project Server Newsgroup regarding Project Server security, and I thought that perhaps it might be helpful to re-post my explanation here... for those who either (a) dont know about the newsgroup, or (b) cant possibly read every posting out there.Project Server security can be a confusing animal... especially for someone like myself who didn't have much experience with Microsoft networking and security before working with Project Server...(truncated)...
Project Conference 2007: October?
(Indexed 2006-09-01):
Body: This years Project Conference (Seattle, January 2006) was my first ever, and I thought that it was fantastic. Great people, great presentations, sneak-peek at Project 2007 etc. etc. Now that it's September, I was actually starting to look forward to another Project Conference-- hopefully right around the corner in January-- and we would be able to see the final shipped version of Project 2007.However, according to Evil Dr. Pork Chop, the 2007 Project Conference wont be held until October! ...(truncated)...
Getting Back on the Wagon...
(Indexed 2006-09-01):
Body: It's been a couple of years since I've blogged on Microsoft Project, and during that time I feel as though I've gotten some great experience working on some interesting projects with some very interesting and challenging people, so I've decided to get back on the wagon and give back a little.Some of you may have seen my occasional posts out on the Microsoft Project Usenet newsgroups, and hopefully you are taking advantage of the MS Project Reporter... an online aggregator which makes it ea...(truncated)...