How do you extract data from the MS Project.mpp file?

Question

I need to extract data from a .mpp file on the network and combine it with other data from several different databases. The application can be written in Perl, VB6, VB.net or C #, but should be easily planned on a server running Windows.

What can you recommend for extracting MS Project data without user intervention?

Are there any ODBC drivers for MS Project?

Are there any modules (for Perl, VB, VB.net or C #) for opening .mpp data and reading?

Answer 1

I would recommend using MPXJ ( mpxj.sf.net ) to extract data from Microsoft Project files. Do not be distracted by the fact that it was originally a Java library. The current version of MPXJ includes its own .net DLLs, as well as the original Java JAR file, thanks to the magic of IKVM.

Disclaimer: I support MPXJ.

Answer 2

MPP has its own object model, which can be used to access data in it. Information should be available here: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/office/aa905469.aspx

Answer 3

Hope the following tips ...

http://www.codeproject.com/KB/cs/PrjXlsRpt.aspx

Rgds

Answer 4

I have the same need. Here is what I have found so far. There is an OLEDB provider for Microsoft projects, up to MP 2007. If Google has this, there are enough sites citing the connection string, but here is one quote: oConn.Open "Provider = Microsoft.Project.OLEDB.9.0;" as well as _ "Project Name = c: \ somepath \ myProject.mpp"

The problem with this approach is that you need to install MS Project on the server. In any case, this is unpleasant, and the inability to use the placement environment.

So, you do not understand .mpp. MPXJ is a great library, as one commenter suggests, and I can afford to wait, so I wait for them to release the .NET version. If you decide to do this, get the code and see what they do. Other, then in their source code / comments there is no (as far as I know) format documentation.

Answer 5

To read MPP data, you can use Aspose.Tasks for.NET . This component is a regular .NET assembly and can be used with any .NET application. It provides a simple API for accessing project elements and data .

Disclosure: I work as an evangelist developer at Aspose.