Custom Intranet Development: Is It Worth the Investment?
Introduction
In today’s digital age, businesses are constantly looking for ways to improve their internal communication and collaboration. One solution that has gained popularity is the development of custom intranets. Intranets are private networks that are only accessible to employees within an organization. They provide a centralized platform for employees to access important information, collaborate on projects, and communicate with one another.
What is SharePoint Intranet?
SharePoint is a web-based platform developed by Microsoft that allows organizations to create and manage their own intranet sites. It offers a wide range of features and functionalities that can be customized to meet the specific needs of an organization. SharePoint can be deployed either on-premise or in the cloud, depending on the organization’s requirements.
Benefits of SharePoint Intranet
There are several benefits to investing in custom SharePoint intranet development:
- Improved Communication: SharePoint intranets provide a centralized platform for employees to communicate with one another. They can share documents, send messages, and collaborate on projects in real-time.
- Increased Productivity: With a custom SharePoint intranet, employees can easily access the information and resources they need to perform their jobs more efficiently. This can lead to increased productivity and reduced downtime.
- Streamlined Processes: SharePoint intranets can be customized to automate and streamline various business processes. This can help organizations save time and resources by eliminating manual tasks.
- Enhanced Collaboration: SharePoint intranets offer a range of collaboration tools, such as document sharing, version control, and project management. These tools enable teams to work together more effectively, regardless of their physical location.
- Centralized Information: SharePoint intranets provide a centralized repository for all organizational information. This makes it easier for employees to find the information they need, reducing the time spent searching for documents or contacting colleagues for information.
Outsourcing SharePoint Development
While SharePoint intranet development can be done in-house, many organizations choose to outsource the development to a SharePoint development agency. Outsourcing SharePoint development offers several advantages:
- Expertise: SharePoint development agencies have extensive experience and expertise in developing custom intranets. They are familiar with the best practices and can ensure that the intranet is designed and developed to meet the organization’s specific requirements.
- Cost Savings: Outsourcing SharePoint development can be more cost-effective than hiring and training an in-house development team. SharePoint development agencies often have a team of developers who can work on the project, reducing the time and cost associated with hiring and managing individual developers.
- Time Efficiency: SharePoint development agencies have streamlined processes and tools in place to expedite the development process. They can deliver the intranet within a shorter timeframe, allowing organizations to start reaping the benefits sooner.
- Ongoing Support: SharePoint development agencies often offer managed SharePoint services, which include ongoing support and maintenance for the intranet. This ensures that the intranet remains up-to-date and secure, without requiring additional resources from the organization.
Custom SharePoint Development vs. Out-of-the-Box Solutions
While there are out-of-the-box solutions available for intranet development, custom SharePoint development offers several advantages:
- Customization: Custom SharePoint development allows organizations to tailor the intranet to their specific needs and requirements. Out-of-the-box solutions may not offer the same level of customization.
- Scalability: Custom SharePoint development allows organizations to scale the intranet as their needs grow. They can add new features and functionalities as required, ensuring that the intranet remains relevant and useful.
- Integration: Custom SharePoint development allows organizations to integrate the intranet with other business systems and applications. This can streamline processes and improve efficiency.
- Branding: Custom SharePoint development allows organizations to incorporate their branding and design elements into the intranet. This can help create a cohesive and professional look and feel.
- Security: Custom SharePoint development allows organizations to implement robust security measures to protect sensitive information. This is particularly important for organizations that deal with confidential or sensitive data.
Conclusion
Custom intranet development, particularly with SharePoint, can be a worthwhile investment for organizations looking to improve internal communication and collaboration. It offers a range of benefits, including improved communication, increased productivity, streamlined processes, enhanced collaboration, and centralized information. Outsourcing SharePoint development to a SharePoint development agency can further enhance the benefits by providing expertise, cost savings, time efficiency, and ongoing support. Custom SharePoint development also offers advantages over out-of-the-box solutions, including customization, scalability, integration, branding, and security. With the right development partner, organizations can create a custom intranet that meets their specific needs and helps drive their business forward.