By Kevin Jobe on 10/21/2007 7:31 AM

The foundation for PerformancePoint is categorized by the acronym MAP.  Monitor, Analyze and Plan are a basic iterative approach to business performance management and MS has used this approach in developing and delivering PPS. 

As of RTM, there really seem to be two distinct components, with Planning standing alone and Monitoring and Analytics being merged into the Monitoring server component. 

While both are based on SQL Server 2005 and Analysis Services, the structure and delivery of Planning and Monitoring are decidedly different for the initial release.  Planning is delivered via an Excel Addin, with a web interface for application and user administration and a thin client for modeling and process management. 

Monitoring/Analytics is tightly integrated with Sharepoint, requiring either Windows Sharepoint Services 3.0 (WSS) or Microsoft Office Sharepoint Server 2007 (MOSS). 

... Read More »

By Kevin Jobe on 10/18/2007 10:33 PM

• Windows Server 2003 Standard, SP1 (XP pro, SP2 for the client)
• SQL Server 2005 Enterprise, SP2 (you will also want the client tools)
• IIS 6.0
• .Net 2.0 Framework
• ASP.NET 2.0
• Client only- MS Office (Excel) 2003, SP2, but 2007 is much better

PPS Monitoring and Analytics is more involved, requiring MOSS (Sharepoint Services) and even components of .NET 3.0.  Will get into that soon..

 

By Kevin Jobe on Tuesday, October 16, 2007 11:23 AM

Progression of PPS from pre-beta to RTM, or V1:

Since July 2006, I've worked frequently with PerformancePoint Server 2007. Most of this, about 90% has been with the Planning component.

The system was challenging to learn at first, but has become significantly more stable since the release of CTP2 and CTP4. Working with RTM also is a significant improvement, and should prove to be a productive tool for finance and planning departments of any size.

Installation of the Alpine Ski House (ASH) sample application has also improved with RTM, and I've been able to have a fully successful installation of this as well. In previous builds, the sample app would install, but with errors.

My confidence in PPS has increased also, as the stability is predictable and dependable. Of course, we are talking about a new product, and simplicity of thought is in order. Keeping things as simple as possible is neve ... Read More »