EPM Partners' implementation methodology is based upon the Microsoft Solution Framework (MSF).  To maximise the success of IT projects, Microsoft has made available a packaged guide on effectively designing, developing, deploying, operating and supporting solutions built on Microsoft technologies.  This knowledge is derived from Microsoft's own experience of large-scale software development and service operation projects, the experience of Microsoft's consultants in conducting projects for enterprise customers, and the best practice from the worldwide IT industry.

MSF is applicable to both Waterfall and Agile deployment methods:

MSF Waterfall

The MSF process model follows the development of a solution from its inception to full deployment and consists of five phases.  Each phase culminates in an externally visible milestone (as shown in the diagram below).

The Waterfall model is a sequential process, in which progress is flowing steadily through the phases of MSF (Envisioning, Planning, Developing, Stabilising and Deploying).  In this model, Project Server implementations are broken down into a number of linear and sequential stages, in which system evolution is seen as flowing progressively downwards, through the phases.

The Waterfall model has distinct goals for each phase of the MSF.  This development method disallows the journey onto the succeeding phase going ahead until the operation of the preceding phase has been accomplished.  The output from each phase forms the input to the next phase; therefore, each phase had to be accomplished in turn to maintain the linkage between the inputs and outputs.

MSF Agile

The MSF process model follows the development of a solution from its inception to full deployment consists of five phases. The application of Agile practices to the MSF (by using the process template for MSF for Agile Software Development v5.0) results in each MSF phase being considered through a number of iterations.

MSF Agile method generally promotes a disciplined project management process that encourages frequent inspection (requirements gathering and testing) and adaptation (customisation and configuration), it is an approach that aligns Project Server customisation and configurations with customer needs and company goals in a iterative manner.