The book offers a notable mix of practical advice for the project manager with some nuts-and-bolts technical detail on such topics as components, UML, and Microsoft tools like Microsoft Transaction Server (MTS). Like most books on software development, this text walks the reader through the software lifecycle (organized here into the envisionment, design, development, and deployment phases). Along the way, the author's clear style and tips for successful management help make this tour a successful one.

Standout sections include the book's details on managing meetings and the sample documents (such as budgets and project schedules) created with Project 98. You'll also appreciate the breakdown of the various players in the development effort (from project and component managers to end users and corporate stakeholders) and the changing roles they play during the project lifecycle.

Along the way, the author shows off some of the latest thinking about VB used on the Microsoft platform, with coverage of business objects, transactions, MTS, and even Web interfaces created with ASPs. UML is used throughout the book as part of the design process (including class, activity, and sequence diagrams).

While there's certainly no substitute for real project management experience, with its mix of accessibility and technical detail this book can give any VB project manager some valuable extra help for taking on the challenges of today's enterprise development. --Richard Dragan

Topics covered: VB and enterprise development; project management basics and myths; the software design process; the envisionment, design, development and deployment phases; designing effective teams; team roles and stakeholders; using Project 98; Gantt charts; managing resources; TCO and ROI; risk management; business rules; designing with objects; UML diagrams; DCOM; databases and ADO; transactions and MTS; ASP; DHTML basics; test management; using Microsoft Visual SourceSafe; and project scheduling.

This book expands on VB6 UML Design and Development to provide a complete guide to properly oversee VB projects. The methodology is illustrated in practice by a real Windows DNA application - from identifying the goals of the client, through the design and development of the application, to its final deployment and distribution. Risk management is demonstrated with a risk tracking example. The methodology centers on work teams with the four phases of cyclic methodology and the issue of resource allocation tackled. Major technical concepts are introduced so project managers can see how different frameworks can affect the design and technology of a project.