So, you've been using Project Server 2003 for ages and The Powers That Be have finally decided that it's time to upgrade to Microsoft Office Project Server 2007 (MOPS 2007). Great! But while your executives and other stakeholders are getting excited about using all the new bells and whistles, you're starting to consider the magnitude of the project -- and it's a somewhat daunting proposition. Not to worry! With a bit of prior proper planning, the migration to MOPS 2007 needn't be difficult at all -- and this article can help.

Before we get started, I should clarify a couple of things. First, I refer to this upgrade as a "migration." Why? Well, you're updating Project Server 2003 to Project Server 2007, of course; however, unlike many simple software upgrades, data also migrates due to the data structure changes (which will be important to keep in mind later when dealing with reports and customizations). Second, this article isn't about the ins and outs of performing a Project Server migration, the technical aspects of installing MOPS 2007, scheduling database backups, or any of the other technical knowledge that's essential for performing a migration. This document basically assumes you already understand the technology, but need help with migration planning from someone who has "been there -- done that." To that end, this article discusses the following key planning areas:

• Communication: Disclosure and discovery.
• Test migration: Yes, they're that important.
• Production migration: Let's get ready to roll (out).
• Post rollout: Prepare for Murphy's Law. Seriously.

I also list some references at the end of the article if you wish to find more technical information (including the recently released MOPS 2007 migration best practices whitepaper). Some of them are official Microsoft documentation while others are from other Project Server specialists trying to assist people contemplating a migration to MOPS 2007.

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