Hours versus months
The average Microsoft implementation can be time consuming. The Gartner Research Group says that Microsoft has several challenges with its project management solution. One of the main issues regarding implementation of EPM is Microsoft's reliance on its partner channel to provide implementation and integration services. Microsoft does not recommend self deployment of EPM.
While Microsoft has developed an extensive network of solution providers who can provide skilled professionals, there are not as many partners that have mastered the EPM solution and implementation. Those that have taken the time to understand the complexity of the process admit that the customer must make a serious investment in services for a successful implementation. In fact, one partner stated that there are only five partners in the U.S. that focus specifically on implementing EPM.
Microsoft itself admits that an EPM deployment is similar to a CRM deployment because it requires analysis of business process and development of a methodology. It is common for the implementation costs to equal or exceed the cost of the software. Gartner estimates that implementation services will add between 33 to 50 percent to the total cost of the implementation of EPM.
So, if an EPM customer is spending $50,000 on the software and hardware, they must count on spending at least on $16,500 in added implementation costs. This is, in part, because the Microsoft solution is not a streamlined collaborative environment. In order to get up and running, you have to install and integrate:
-Internet Explorer browser only
-100 Megabits per second (Mbps) internet connectivity
-Windows Server
-IIS 6.0 with ASP.NET 2.0
-Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0
-SQL Server with Reporting Services
-Active Directory
-Microsoft Office Project Server
-Project Server Gateway for linking Portfolio and Project Servers
-Microsoft Office Portfolio Server
-Portfolio Web Access (PWA) for web enabling
-Windows SharePoint Services (WSS)
-Microsoft Office SharePoint Server (MOSS)
-Microsoft Project Professional client access licenses (CALs) for any project manager or team member that needs to create a project schedule
After the software and hardware have been purchased, the implementation consultant will have to integrate these components. Project Professional client access licenses (CALs) will need to be purchased for all of the project managers. Then either the consultants or the internal information services team will have to install Project Professional on the necessary desktops within the organization. These licenses will have to be maintained and upgraded periodically as well.
Implementation experts state that, depending on the organizational complexity, the EPM implementation, "is typically a four to eight week engagement."
The Project Management Office (PMO) Director of a large media company and a Project Insight customer oversaw an EPM implementation when working for a previous employer. This leading mortgage company spent over $250,000 on the Microsoft software and had difficulty finding an experienced partner to complete the installation. After trying a couple of partners, the company contacted Microsoft. An EPM expert from Microsoft was brought in to get the system up and running. Then when he was employed to create a new PMO for his new employer, he evaluated other options and selected Project Insight. His project management system cost $30,000 for 100 users. The software was installed in less than two hours and his team was fully trained in two weeks.
If a customer opts for the Project Insight hosted version, the set up is immediate. The installed version is loaded on a server in a matter of hours.
The time to implement is significantly shorter with Project Insight.
Cynthia West
Vice President, Project Insight