June, 2010

It’s our pleasure to present you refreshed versions of our one-stop technical resources related to

·        Upgrade and Migration to Project 2010 - http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9676814

·        Business Intelligence for Project 2010 - http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9726143

These centers are part of the Project Server 2010 TechNet TechCenter http://technet.microsoft.com/projectserver/ee263909.aspx and their concept is to collect relevant information in one place and to give end-to-end information from getting started quickly to deep dive.

Q&A

Q: How about Demand Management and Portfolio Strategy?

A: We are working on Demand Management Center that will became one stop for information about Demand Management, Portfolio Strategy, including technicalities, like building custom Demand Management Infrastructure – including workflow. This center will live on the Project Server 2010 Center on TechNet - http://technet.microsoft.com/projectserver/ee263909.aspx and will be available in few weeks.

Q: I’m a developer, what’s in there for me?

A: Many of included links include pure developer resources. We have decided not to fragment the resources between TechNet and MSDN – that’s why you might find also developer-related link to MSDN content in the above TechCenters.

We are proud to announce that we have developed number of Solution Starters and Code Samples to help you achieve result quickly with implementing Project 2010. All mentioned Solution Starters are available for free download on the MSDN Code Gallery -

http://code.msdn.microsoft.com/P2010SolutionStarter

- including documentation, ready to deploy packages and full source code. We have also conducted number of free webcasts that introduce the functionality of these Solution Starters – including how to benefit from their functionality, how to deploy them and even deep technical dive into the source code if you want to start building on top of them.

List of the Project 2010 Solution Starters currently* available

· Demand Management Export & Import Tool - Example of how a partner can export and package EPTs and all other associated entities (Stages, Phases, PDPs, CFs, …) so that customers can import as a single SharePoint feature.

· Bulk Edit Tool - Tool to edit project custom fields simultaneously.

· Bulk Import Tool (a.k.a. SharePoint To Project Importer) – Tool to import projects from a SharePoint List.

· Dynamic Workflow - Dynamically create a linear workflow based on stages.

· EPT Association Tool - A tool that creates an intuitive unified hierarchical view that allows a user to easily create and maintain EPTs, by seeing all of the individual stages, PDPS, and custom fields all in the same place.

· InfoPath Form Viewer Web Part - View and Edit an InfoPath Form in a PDP. This is most commonly used to allow users to fill out a survey.

· Project Workspace List Viewer Excel Project Cost Capture - A web part that allows users to view and edit list from the Project Workspace.

· Workflow Visualization Web Part - A web part that visually represents the workflow and allows users to track where they are in the workflow.

· Report Builder Tool - Tool to create an excel report with the SQL connection already configured.

· Workspace Project Custom Field Web Part - Web part to display Project Custom Fields on the Workspace.

· Excel Project Cost Capture - Example of using Excel to create/capture financials

* As of 6/28/2010. We are working on others and we will continuously update and add new ones and announce them on the Project Programmability & BI Blog.

Webcast series on Project 2010 Solution Starters

Q&A

Q: Where do I learn more about these solution starters?

A: We suggest that the best resources are the webcasts, the included documentation and solution starters themselves.

Q: What if I have a question or want to report an issue?

A: Please check the related discussion http://code.msdn.microsoft.com/P2010SolutionStarter/Thread/List.aspx for answers or post your question or feedback there.

Other Project 2010 Resources

Product information and trial download

o Main product site www.microsoft.com/project

o Project Team Blog blogs.msdn.com/project

End-User Product Help

o Project 2010 Help http://office2010.microsoft.com/project-help

o Project Server 2010 Help http://office2010.microsoft.com/project-server-help

Interactive content – Videos/Sessions/Webcasts

o Quick Start Training - http://www.microsoft.com/project/en/us/quick-start-training.aspx

o Project Video Channel - www.microsoft.com/showcase/en/US/channels/microsoftproject

o Project Webcasts - www.microsoft.com/events/series/epm.aspx

 IT Professional related – TechNet

o TechCenter http://technet.microsoft.com/ProjectServer

o Admin Blog http://blogs.technet.com/projectadministration

Developer related - MSDN

o Developer center http://msdn.microsoft.com/Project

o Programmability blog http://blogs.msdn.com/project_programmability

Project & Project Server 2010 Demo Image

o Download http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9713956

o Hosted Virtual Lab http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9713654

Got questions? Search or ask in the official Microsoft Forums

o http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/category/projectserver2010,projectprofessional2010

SharePoint 2010 Resources

o http://sharepoint.microsoft.com

Thanks!

When you add a Project Departments custom field to a ProjectDataSet.ProjectCustomFields table, do not set the value of the MD_PROP_ID property. Project Server automatically adds a value when it creates the project. The CreateProject4Department code example shows the data in the ProjectDataSet before and after the call to QueueCreateProject.

The WCF-based CreateProject4Department example in the attached  CreateProject4Department.zip file does the following:

1. Builds a basic ProjectDataSet for one new project, including a row in the ProjectCustomFields table. The project is assigned to a specified department by using the Project Departments custom field that has a value in the Departments lookup table.

2. After calling QueueCreateProject, waits for the project queue to finish, and then reads the ProjectDataSet back by using ReadProject.

3. Saves the ProjectDataSet to XML files, once before creating the project and once after calling ReadProject. Shows that Project Server automatically creates the MD_PROP_ID field for the Project Departments custom field.

4. Shows how to use the WCF FaultException, to display the error stack. Comments in the PopulateData method show how to create errors in the ProjectDataSet that trigger the System.ServiceModel.FaultException when you call QueueCreateProject.

To get a list of errors if you get a FaultException when you call a PSI method in a WCF-based application, you can extract a PSClientError object from the FaultException object. You can then use GetAllErrors to store the error information in a PSErrorInfo array and enumerate the errors.

In addition to the data in the PSClientError object, the FaultException object can include other types of errors, such as failure to connect to Project Server. The errOut parameter of the GetPSClientError method in the attached code sample shows additional information. When you make the changes that create errors in the ProjectCustomFields properties, and then run the application, the errOut parameter includes the errinfo element and other data (formatted here from the console output). Following is sample output from the exception handler:

==============================
Error details:
<errinfo xmlns="">
  <dataset name="ProjectDataSet">
    <table name="ProjectCustomFields">
      <row CUSTOM_FIELD_UID="976d3bd9-95ff-40a2-a938-960c410b0341">
        <error id="11704" name="CustomFieldInvalidTypeColumnFilledIn"
               uid="aa8a2fab-9262-422f-b022-ca1cb12bc75f"></error>
        <error id="11713" name="CustomFieldRequiredValueNotProvided"
               uid="dc2e2156-86e9-4aac-bede-d07dc44dfedc"></error>
      </row>
    </table>
  </dataset>
</errinfo>

System.ServiceModel.FaultException`1[SvcProject.ServerExecutionFault]:
ProjectServerError(s) LastError=CustomFieldRequiredValueNotProvided Instructions:
Pass this into PSClientError constructor to access all error information
(Fault Detail is equal to SvcProject.ServerExecutionFault).

============================
PSClientError output:
CustomFieldInvalidTypeColumnFilledIn

============================
PSClientError output:
CustomFieldRequiredValueNotProvided

For information about using the attached WCF-based application in Visual Studio 2010, see Prerequisites for WCF-Based Code Samples in the SDK.

Introduction

This blog entry is designed to try and capture all of the different pieces of information that exists right now regarding workflows in Project Server 2010.  Based on the feedback we are in process of creating a dedicated “Demand Management” resource center on Microsoft TechNet that will became the “one-stop” shop for all your technical and developer resources for Demand Management, including Workflows in Project 2010.

Technet

Demand Management in Project Server 2010

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/projectserver/ff899331.aspx

SDK

Developing Project Server Workflows:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ee767694(v=office.14).aspx

Out of the Box Sample Workflow Source Code:

Download the SDK: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=46007f25-b44e-4aa6-80ff-9c0e75835ad9&displaylang=en and find the source code in the “Samples\Workflow\SampleProposal2” directory

Sharepoint Office Task Class:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/microsoft.office.workflow.actions.officetask.aspx

Using InfoPath Forms in a Workflow:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms573938(v=office.14).aspx

Blogs:

Introduction to Demand Management:

http://blogs.msdn.com/b/project/archive/2009/11/13/project-2010-introducing-demand-management.aspx

End User level Walkthrough of the Out of the Box Sample Workflow:

http://blogs.msdn.com/b/project/archive/2010/03/19/video-walkthrough-of-the-out-of-the-box-sample-proposal-workflow.aspx

How to use the Skip to Stage Feature:

http://blogs.msdn.com/b/project_programmability/archive/2010/02/10/how-to-use-the-skip-to-stage-feature-in-project-server-2010-workflows.aspx

Debugging a Project Server Workflow in Visual Studio 2010

http://blogs.msdn.com/b/project_programmability/archive/2010/07/15/debugging-a-project-server-workflow-in-visual-studio-2010.aspx

Solution Starters (Open Source Solution Starters)

 Microsoft Project 2010 Solution Starters

http://code.msdn.microsoft.com/P2010SolutionStarter

Recorded Videos:

Demand Management Overview:

http://www.microsoft.com/showcase/en/US/details/31184ff3-f797-4647-985f-4ccd873d71fb

Workflow Deep Dive:

http://www.microsoft.com/showcase/en/US/details/34f2e816-bec5-4a5a-a7f8-b356dac292fc

Webcasts:

Demand Management Overview:

Part 1:

http://www.microsoft.com/events/series/epm.aspx?tab=Webcasts&seriesid=51&webcastid=13490

Part 2:

http://www.microsoft.com/events/series/epm.aspx?tab=Webcasts&seriesid=51&webcastid=13493

Part 3:

http://www.microsoft.com/events/series/epm.aspx?tab=Webcasts&seriesid=51&webcastid=13491

Part 4:

http://www.microsoft.com/events/series/epm.aspx?tab=Webcasts&seriesid=51&webcastid=13492

Workflow Deep Dive:

Part 1:

http://www.microsoft.com/events/series/epm.aspx?tab=Webcasts&seriesid=51&webcastid=13332

Part 2:

http://www.microsoft.com/events/series/epm.aspx?tab=Webcasts&seriesid=51&webcastid=13333

Tailored Tools for Workflow Creation:

http://www.microsoft.com/events/series/epm.aspx?tab=Webcasts&seriesid=51&webcastid=13337

Project Forum:

http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/category/projectserver2010,projectprofessional2010/

Project Server 2010 Demonstration Virtual Machine Image Download:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=f48eacb9-6ea7-4aca-bc10-d3677ef81a9d&displaylang=en

Hitchhiker’s Guide to Demand Management (white paper)

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff973112.aspx

Check this out for more details! REMINDER- Project 2010 Solution Starter Webcasts

Then check Mike’s Solution Starter webcast http://www.microsoft.com/events/series/epm.aspx?tab=Webcasts&seriesid=51&webcastid=13341 – it showcases Ribbon, JSGrid customizations as well as working with PSIs

Hungry for more? Check Mike’s today’s webcast where he talks about another tool form the Solution Starters package  https://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/WebCastEventDetails.aspx?EventID=1032450826&EventCategory=4&culture=en-US&CountryCode=US.

When do we release the Solution Starters Mike is talking about? Next week after his last webcast as all the documentation is final!!! Look forward to it!

We have created number of Solutions Starters that will help you in deploying and customizing you Project Server 2010 for you business needs.

To learn more about these, please visit Sam’s webcasts this week. Mike Shughrue will then do a drill down into each of the solutions. The MSDN CodeGallery URL will be announced shortly.

The Project 2010 SDK includes a general discussion about updating applications developed for Project Server 2007 to run with Project Server 2010. Because the PSI in Project Server 2010 is a superset of the previous PSI, many ASMX-based applications can run unchanged on a Project Server that uses only Windows authentication -- but all require testing before deployment on Project Server 2010!

The Project Server Programmability page includes the Porting Applications Built for Project Server 2007 section, which links to the Migration and Compatibility of Custom Solutions section in the Overview of WCF and the PSI. In addition to the information on those pages, applications for multi-authentication installations of Project Server 2010 must be updated to handle forms-based and Windows-based authentication in the Claims environment of SharePoint Server.

The ASMXLogon_MultiAuth sample in the recent Code samples from the Project 2010 SDK webcast blog post provides an example, using the information in the Using Claims Multi-Authentication discussion in the Prerequisites for ASMX-Based Code Samples article of the SDK.

Even if your older application works on Project Server 2010, and you use only Windows authentication, it is a good idea to update the web service (ASMX) references and recompile, as described in Migration and Compatibility of Custom Solutions .

--Jim

Jim Corbin – the Project SDK writer has done a great webcast where he in detail walks through the SDK contents and shows demos using the SDK samples. If you missed it – worth to see!

MSDN Webcast- Project 2010 Software Development Kit (SDK) Drilldown (Level 200)

Thanks Jim for your great work on the Project 2010 SDK!

You may have seen Christophe's post on the Project 2010 Presence on TechED 2010. If you plan to attend, please mark your calendar with the following Project 2010 sessions!

BIO10-INT | Light Up Your Project and Portfolio Management with Powerful Dashboards

• Session Type: Interactive Session
• Track: BI: Improve Organizational Effectiveness
• Speaker(s): Jan Kalis
• Level: 200 - Intermediate

This session demonstrates how to build dashboards that span from individual project managers to company executives that show project and portfolio status and details in rich and interactive way to guide in the decision-making process. The session focuses on Microsoft products and solutions reaching from individual project management products to company-wide solutions. We demonstrate use of Microsoft Project Professional 2010, Microsoft Project Server 2010 and Microsoft SharePoint Server 2010 - especially its rich Business Intelligence tools (including Excel Services, PerformancePoint Services and Visio Services) to achieve the above declared goal.

OSP03-INT | Customizing Microsoft Project 2010

• Session Type: Interactive Session
• Track: Office & SharePoint
• Speaker(s): Jan Kalis
• Level: 300 - Advanced

This session provides an overview of the new customization/extensibility capabilities of Microsoft Project 2010. Using real examples, we demonstrate how to develop a custom project initiation process, to extend Project Web Access, and much more!

OSP11-INT | Microsoft Project 2010 Frequently Asked Questions

• Session Type: Interactive Session
• Track: Office & SharePoint
• Speaker(s): Christophe Fiessinger, Jan Kalis
• Level: 200 - Intermediate

In this interactive session, come to hear answers to frequently asked questions from customers and partners about Microsoft Project and Project Server 2010. Specific areas of coverage include the four key investments of Microsoft Project 2010: Unified Project and Portfolio Management, Simple and Intuitive User Experience, Enhanced Collaboration and Reporting, Scalable and Connected Platform. We keep the session open for discussion, walk through some demos and discuss any IT professional related topics.

OSP209 | Microsoft Project and Project Server 2010 Overview 

• Session Type: Breakout Session
• Track: Office & SharePoint
• Speaker(s): Christophe Fiessinger, Jan Kalis
• Level: 200 - Intermediate

This session provides an overview of the key investment areas and capabilities of Project Server 2010 and Project Professional 2010, including demand management, portfolio analysis, time tracking, business intelligence/reporting, and other better together capabilities, by being built of top of SharePoint 2010 Enterprise features.

OSP303 | Deploying and Upgrading to Microsoft Project Server 2010

• Session Type: Breakout Session
• Track: Office & SharePoint
• Speaker(s): Christophe Fiessinger, Rolly Perreaux
• Level: 300 - Advanced

This session provides an overview on how to deploy a Project Server 2010 Farm. Specific topics discussed includes upgrading and migrating from prior version (2007 and 2003), how to architect and configure Project Server within the context of a SharePoint Server 2010 Farm, capacity planning, and more.

TLC-83 | Microsoft Project 2010

• Session Type: TLC Demo Station
• Track: Office & SharePoint
• Level: 200 - Intermediate

Being called the most significant release for Project in over a decade, Project 2010 delivers flexible work management solutions for individuals, teams and the enterprise. It provides the right collaboration tools for occasional and professional project managers and a pathway to more advanced project and portfolio management capabilities of Project Server 2010. Project 2010 can be used to effectively manage all types of work—from simple tasks to complex projects and programs.

See you Monday!

Sam is concluding the workflow webcast series by the following one:

• MSDN Webcast: Project 2010 Tailored Tools for Workflow Creation (Level 300) - Tuesday, June 1, 2010 - 1:00 P.M.–2:00 P.M. Pacific Time

Project MVP Jim is talking about real-life VSTO solutions Thursday:

• MSDN Webcast: Project 2010: Powerful Extensibility Using Visual Studio Tools (Level 400) - Thursday, June 3, 2010 - 1:00 P.M.–2:00 P.M. Pacific Time

All webcasts are certainly recorded and could be watched on demand later anytime…