Choosing the Right SharePoint Development Firm: A Checklist
Introduction
SharePoint is a powerful platform that allows organizations to create and manage websites, intranets, and collaboration tools. However, developing and customizing SharePoint solutions requires expertise and experience. Choosing the right SharePoint development firm is crucial to ensure the success of your project. In this article, we will provide a checklist to help you select the best SharePoint development agency for your needs.
1. Define Your Requirements
Before starting your search for a SharePoint development firm, it is important to clearly define your requirements. Determine what you want to achieve with your SharePoint website or intranet. Are you looking for a simple website or a complex intranet with advanced features? Do you need SharePoint on-premise or SharePoint Online? Understanding your requirements will help you find a development firm that specializes in the specific services you need.
2. Experience and Expertise
When evaluating SharePoint development firms, consider their experience and expertise in SharePoint development. Look for firms that have a proven track record of successful SharePoint projects. Check their portfolio and client testimonials to get an idea of their capabilities. It is also important to ensure that the firm has experience in developing SharePoint solutions similar to what you require. For example, if you need a SharePoint intranet, look for firms that have expertise in intranet development.
3. Customization and Flexibility
Every organization has unique requirements and preferences when it comes to their SharePoint solutions. Look for a development firm that offers customization and flexibility. They should be able to tailor the SharePoint solution to meet your specific needs and branding requirements. Ask about their customization capabilities and whether they can integrate third-party tools or plugins into your SharePoint solution.
4. Outsourcing and Collaboration
Some SharePoint development firms outsource their work to offshore teams. While outsourcing can be cost-effective, it is important to ensure that the firm maintains effective communication and collaboration throughout the development process. Ask about their communication channels and project management practices. A good development firm should provide regular updates, involve you in the decision-making process, and be responsive to your feedback and suggestions.
5. Managed Services and Support
SharePoint solutions require ongoing maintenance and support. Look for a development firm that offers managed services and support. They should provide regular updates, security patches, and bug fixes to ensure the smooth functioning of your SharePoint solution. Ask about their support options, response times, and SLAs (Service Level Agreements). A reliable development firm should be able to provide timely support and address any issues that may arise.
Conclusion
Choosing the right SharePoint development firm is crucial for the success of your project. By following this checklist, you can ensure that you select a firm that understands your requirements, has the necessary expertise, offers customization and flexibility, maintains effective communication and collaboration, and provides ongoing support. Take the time to research and evaluate different firms to find the best fit for your organization’s SharePoint development needs.