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

2. 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

3. 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.

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

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

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

7. 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)

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

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

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

11. Single user scenario
PS software + database

12. 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!!!

14. 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.

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

16. 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!

17. 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)

18. 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

19. 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)

20. 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!!!

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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

25. 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.

28. Thanks for attending!
Happy Projecting!