NAVIGATING THE MINEFIELD Projections Suite Installation Issues Brett Judd Utah Department of Technology Services Arlington, VA – October 10, 2018

Minefield topics: PS structure overview Introduction to PS installation Installation scenarios Single user Multiple users/shared database Running PS in shared database environment How updates work Future fixes/problems

The PS Installation Minefield Over the years, we’ve received more questions about installation than about any other topic. Pace of installation questions has slowed since introduction of new system, but still continues.

Why do installation questions persist? New computers Turnover Changes in how states manage projections process Changes in IT rules

PS Installation Steps Install MS SQL Server Express Initialize database Set up database connections for user Install PS

PS Installation The biggest mine in the preceding steps…. PERMISSIONS

PS Installation Because permissions are such a key part of the process, installation of Projections Suite becomes a partnership between: State analysts State IT department PMP support (Utah)

Microsoft SQL Server Express Free (always a good point) Secure Full range of data options Expands easily Easy to program against

Microsoft SQL Server Express Installation can be…touchy Clumsy to administer (SSMS) Requires permissions settings (which goes along with the security feature)

State installation scenarios One user, one machine, one database Multiple users, multiple machines, multiple databases Multiple users, multiple machines, shared database

Single user scenario PS software + database

Single user installation Download and install the DB Install Tool This will install MSSS if you don’t already have it Run the Install Tool Create the database Create a user id/password IF you don’t want to use your Windows login to access the database Run the database initializer Run Step 3 to add Required Data and Tables. Make sure a Backup folder is specified!!!

Single user installation Save the configuration Creates ProjectionsSuiteSettings.ini file on desktop Download and install Projections Suite Opening screen glitch on first time use Update the database tables using PS utilities (details available on support web site). Needs to be done whenever new national data is released.

Single user installation If all goes well…and you have all the correct permissions….

Single user installation Biggest issue (mine): PERMISSIONS User does not have rights to install DB Install Tool, or PS, or MSSS Solution: Contact IT, who will either Give you permanent rights (possibly as administrator) Give you temporary rights Do it for you If they do it for you, it is best if they install the DB Tool and PS and MSSS under your account!

Shared database scenario Ideal for states with multiple analysts working on projections Users can be in the same room, or different buildings, or different parts of the state (Performance restrictions may apply)

Shared database scenario Chances are, you won’t be able to install anything on a network database server yourself Your IT department is now your best friend Ideally, IT should designate one person as a contact with your LMI shop regarding the server Obviously, there are procedures to be followed …to your IT shop’s regulations

Shared database scenario Your IT shop will: Set up MSSS on the server, if it’s not already installed Install the DB Install Tool on the server Run the tool to create your database Save the configuration, creating the settings file Provide each user with a copy of that .ini file, with the connection string edited to reflect that user’s login (whether Windows AD or user id/password)

Shared database scenario You may or may not be the one installing PS on your individual computer Regardless, each user will need a copy of the settings file on his/her desktop, with the proper connection string in place (Potential mine!) Database backups and restores have to be done on the server. They can not be done remotely. Another potential mine so make sure backups are being done!!!

Shared database scenario Multiple users may be accessing the database simultaneously PS uses a caching system to store some tabular data, such as NAICS codes, SOC codes, areas, etc., as well as some employment tables If edits are made to the cached data by user A, users B, C, etc. may not see the edits immediately (Potential mine!) Solution: Different users should not be working on the same industries/occupations in the same areas

Other possible mines Previous/multiple PS installation Previous/multiple MSSS installation Broadband issues Any time you have the download stop or freeze up, the most likely culprit is broadband width in your state Try again at a different time of day

Future thoughts Alternatives to MSSS Alternatives to ClickOnce Local DB MySQL Oracle (Oh man we hope not, but….) OR a Web based system!!! Alternatives to ClickOnce Package distribution Future Microsoft ideas? OR a Web App

Out of the minefield…for now… Further info: Document available for download at support.projectionscentral.com Utah staff available to help both you and your IT people with installation questions

What else to be aware of We will try to give you a heads up (hopefully a week) prior to releasing a new version of the system. If you know that Symantec will not let you do an update until it is approved, then “skip” the install when prompted. Could take up to 2 days. Under the Utilities menu in PS you can run the Check for Updates module when it has been approved.

Thanks for attending! Happy Projecting!