Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will i-method work with Windows Vista?
2. Does i-method work with MS Project?
3. Why would I use i-method?
4. How does i-method work?
5. Can I share project information?
6. What is the difference between a Write Licence and a Read Only Licence?
7. We have adapted PRINCE2™ - how will i-method work in this case?
8. What if PRINCE2™ is amended?
9. Am I entitled to future updates and upgrades?
10. How do I get updates?
11. What do I do with the licence file I have received?
12. Will updating affect existing project data?
13. Does i-method contain in any way track what I do or contain any spyware?
14. What requirements are there for i-method?
15. Why must I have cookies enabled?
16. Can I access the i-method database?
17. Does i-method work on Mac or Linux?
18. I've installed i-method but get an error message.

Will i-method work with Windows Vista? top
CCurrently i-method will not work with Windows Vista as the SQL database supplied with i-method is not supported by Vista.

Does i-method work with MS Project? top
i-method is a tool to help with the management of projects rather than a scheduling or resource management tool. It is a project governance tool and as such does not, at the moment, interface with MS Project although it is something we are actively considering. We would see MS Project being used at the Work Package level to allow Team Managers to plan and deliver their Work Packages in accordance with the Stage Plan.

Why would I use i-method? top
There are many reasons why i-method can help with your project governance including:

• Consolidation of PRINCE2™ into the organisation
• Controlled project environment with clearly defined process and quality standards
• Fast and accurate reporting and communication
• Real time view of project progress
• Reduce need for meetings saving time and money
• Standard documentation and automatic configuration management
• Access to current and archived project information
• Reduced administration.

How does i-method work? top
i-Method has 2 main components:

1. The application. This consists of an ASP application and a full-featured ASP compatible web server. When i-method is run the webserver starts on the client (the icon in the system tray indicates that the web server is running) and the ASP application is served using MS Internet Explorer.
2. A Microsoft SQL database. This requires a version of MS SQL server. A copy of Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Desktop Engine (MSDE 2000) Release A is provided as part of the installation package. Database support tools are also included.

Can I share project information? top
Yes. i-method is designed to be run across a group/enterprise and the full benefits will only be gained by doing so. (The Single User Licence does not permit the sharing of data.)

What is the difference between a Write and a Read Only Seat? top
A Write Seat allows the user to add/edit/respond as required by their defined project role. A Read Only Seat only allows the user to view the data. They can make no responses whatsoever and cannot take a direct part in the project.

We have adapted PRINCE2™ - how will i-method work in this case? top
If use an adapted PRINCE2™ methodology or have your own methodology but like the concept of i-method please contact us to discuss the options. i-method can always be adapted to fit. This is done relatively easily but is not something that users can do for themselves. We can, however, help you build your ideal product in cost effective manner.

Alternatively, the full enterprise licence gives you the opportunity to develop i-method as you wish, including integration with any other web based systems you have. This requires knowledge of HTML, ASP, Scripting and SQL but this is usually available within most organisations. We can, of course, assist in any way you chose.

What if PRINCE2™ is amended? top
Amendments to the PRINCE2™ methodology will be incorporated into i-method and issued as an update as soon as possible.

Am I entitled to future updates and upgrades? top
If you have a Group Licence you will be entitled to all future updates and upgrades as long as you maintain that licence. If you have a single user licence your entitlement to updates and upgrades cannot be guaranteed beyond Release 1. This is because future major releases may include added functionality, e.g. Managing Successful Programmes, which require major changes to the core database.

How do I get updates? top
As long as you are connected to the internet and have 'Administration' access within i-method you will be prompted that an update is available. Just click 'Yes' and follow the instructions.

What do I do with the licence file I have received? top
You should copy the licence file (i-method.lic) to the root directory of the i-method application. By default this is c:\Program Files\i-method. This will replace the file already there.

Will updating affect existing project data? top
No - any minor changes to the database can be done from within the application when it is next run.

Does i-method in any way track what I do or contain any spyware? top
Absolutely not. The only calls i-method make to our servers is when you first register and to check for updates. On registration we record your name, your e-mail address, whether you want to be contacted in the future, the release number and the source of the distribution. Each time i-method is open it calls our server and checks its version against the current available version. This is done using a single parameter (release number) which is not tracked.

What requirements are there for i-method? top

• Windows 98SE or above.
• Internet Explorer 5.01 or above.
• First Party Cookies enabled.
• Access rights to run a Command Prompt.

Like most software installs, you need to install i-method as a local Administrator on your PC. If you are currently logged into a corporate network you may need to ask your system administrator to grant you the correct local privileges. You will also need the rights to run a batch file from the Command Prompt to attach the database files to the database server.

Why must I have cookies enabled? top
i-method makes use of session variables and non-persistent cookies (i.e. cookies that expire when the browser is closed) and the product will not function if these are turned off. The reason we use cookies is that experience has shown that some users, rather than saving a document as a draft, keep i-method open for long periods when completing a document, sometimes overnight so they can continue the next day. The last thing that we want is for the server to have timed out and their 2 days of work lost! The moral here is that you should make regular use of the 'Save as Draft' buttons!

Can I access the i-method database? top
Yes, if you have a database mangagement utility such as SQL Enterprise Manger. DbaMgr2K is a free utility and can be downloded at www.asql.biz. Please Note: We can accept no responsibility for any changes which you make to the database files.

Does i-method work on Mac or Linux? top
No, unfortunately not. For the Enterprise Licence it would be possible to adapt i-method to run on Linux using Sun Java System Active Server Pages with a MySQL Database.

I've installed i-method but get an error message. top
Please see the installation and troubleshooting pages.