For many years, Deltek's Micro-Frame Program Manager (MPM) has been the backbone of many Earned Value Management Systems. It provided a simplistic cost engine for a single program environment that could be integrated with scheduling data to meet the needs of even government programs.
Sadly, the software is being phased out by Deltek. By now you will have received notice the software will be moving from maintenance support to sustaining support by the end of next year. This necessitates selection of a new cost engine tool and potentially an overhaul of all program management applications.
In Part 1 of this 3-part series, we explored What Does Maintenance Support and Sustaining Support Really Mean?
Below I discuss what to expect when choosing to remain on MPM.
Choosing to Remain on Deltek MPM
You have invested time and resources into implementing Deltek MPM as an EVM tool for the organization and you have established a core competency satisfying the requirements of existing customers. Walking away from that investment seems like it might be a waste of money. However, it is important to understand the risks associated with not moving to a replacement. While advancement in Earned Value Management may seem to move at a snail’s pace, over the last four years there have been regulatory changes that have driven software changes. Those changes will continue and they will not be offered as enhancements by the vendor once MPM is in it's Sustaining Support phase. There are also technology risks if the IT organization requires a different database environment or platform.
Additional factors in choosing to remain on Deltek MPM include the life-cycle of current projects. Consider the disruption to projects using MPM if the project is nearing completion or at a critical phase. How big is the MPM footprint in the organization? If it is only a few stand-alone projects, then perhaps a new investment isn’t warranted.
In Part 3 of this 3-part series, we will explore Factors to Consider When Selecting a Replacement
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