Project Server 2007 BETA Exams

During the last 3 Weeks I had the chance to take the first 2 Project and Project Server BETA exams:

Microsoft Office Project 2007 - Configuring
Microsoft Office Project Server 2007 - Configuring

Both exams have been interesting, I think the MS Project 2007 exam is not to bad. Some of the questions where kind a strange, but then there are only BETA tests at this stage and I am sure that Microsoft will work some more on the questions based on the feedback the beta team gave.

The Project Server Configuration I found fairly easy but some questions seem to have been very confusing. It was good to give feedback during the test and once again I am sure that Microsoft will refine the questions before they come out.

Due to the NDA we had to sign, I am not allowed to get into details, but hey, with a bit of luck you will be able to take the exams in the next couple of month :)

I personally am very happy that Microsoft has developed a new structure for Project Server 2007. It has become a serious tool set for Project Management and many organisations discover the power of Project Server these days.

Ugrade 2003 to 2007

I have noticed that lately we have many question regarding upgrading from Project Server 2003 to 2007 in the discussion Forum.
Upgrading is not easy, especially if you have used the Project Workspace in 2003.

Microsoft has an upgrade path and documented it. Check out this link here:
http://technet2.microsoft.com/Office/en-us/library/13c4bf50-ae21-42d4-a48c-6e2de4284c561033.mspx?mfr=true

You can download the books:
Migration for Office Project Server

I know lately my blogs seem to be full of links, but hey, why would I want to recreate the wheel right :)

Till next time

Change the Manager of an Enterprise Project

We know that the types of Managers have changed in Project Server 2007 ( Status Manager, Approval Manager etc), but do you know how you can change the Status Manager ( which can be understood to be the Project Manager) within a Project?

Microsoft gives us a good instruction under:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/project/HA101130771033.aspx

There is one nasty !!
When you create an Enterprise Template and then use the template for a project, the Status Manager does not change automatically to the user that creates a project from the template. In fact, the Status Manager will contain the name of the person who created the template. As part of using a template, you need to ensure that your process includes the changing of the Status Manager. Alternatively you can write a little Macro.

Project Server 2007 evaluation Version

Microsoft has released the evaluation Version of Project Server 2007. When you download the 180-day trial software, you’re automatically registered to receive valuable resources delivered at strategic intervals throughout the software evaluation period. Here is the link:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/eval/default.mspx

Soooo late - a quick update - and 2007 Cube build tips

It is almost unforgiving that I have not been posting on the blog for almost a moth, but to my defence, I was on Holiday :) and once I came back I did heaps of renovations around my house. So never mind here I am again.

First of all a couple of interesting Project Server bits and peaces:

• Microsoft did bring out the first Beta Exams of Project and Project Server 2007. I will
  take them over the next 2 Weeks and let you know how they are. I am actually looking forward seeing how they are. http://mcpmag.com/news/rss.asp?editorialsid=1269
  
• I am looking forward to the Project Server Conference in October. It sounds very big and I am looking forward catching up with some guys I have met over the last couple of conferences. http://www.msprojectconference.com/
  
• Last but not least, I have come across an interesting msdn article that outlines how and what types of custom fields can be populated within Project Server 2007 OLAP Cubes. Very interesting
  http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms447495.aspx#pj12_EnterpriseCF_OLAPCubes

Till next time