Developing a SharePoint Intranet That Drives Productivity
Introduction
A SharePoint intranet is a powerful tool for organizations to improve collaboration, communication, and productivity among employees. With the right intranet design and development, businesses can create a centralized platform that enables employees to access important information, collaborate on projects, and streamline workflows.
The Benefits of SharePoint Intranet Development
Developing a SharePoint intranet offers numerous benefits for organizations:
- Centralized Information: A SharePoint intranet provides a single location for employees to access important documents, policies, and procedures. This eliminates the need for multiple systems and reduces the time spent searching for information.
- Improved Collaboration: SharePoint intranets offer collaboration features such as document sharing, version control, and real-time editing. This allows employees to work together on projects, share ideas, and provide feedback.
- Streamlined Workflows: SharePoint intranets can automate and streamline business processes, such as approval workflows and document management. This reduces manual tasks and improves efficiency.
- Enhanced Communication: SharePoint intranets include communication tools such as news feeds, discussion boards, and employee directories. This promotes open communication and knowledge sharing within the organization.
- Customization Options: SharePoint intranets can be customized to meet the specific needs of an organization. This includes branding, layout, and functionality customization.
SharePoint On-Premise vs SharePoint Online
When developing a SharePoint intranet, organizations have the option to choose between SharePoint on-premise and SharePoint online. Here are the key differences:
SharePoint On-Premise
SharePoint on-premise refers to the traditional deployment model where the SharePoint server is hosted on the organization’s own infrastructure. This gives organizations full control over the server and allows for customization and integration with other systems. However, it also requires a dedicated IT team to manage and maintain the server.
SharePoint Online
SharePoint online is a cloud-based solution provided by Microsoft as part of Office 365. With SharePoint online, organizations can access SharePoint intranet features without the need for infrastructure setup and maintenance. This makes it a cost-effective option for small to medium-sized businesses. However, customization options may be limited compared to SharePoint on-premise.
Choosing a SharePoint Development Agency
Developing a SharePoint intranet requires expertise in SharePoint development. Organizations can choose to outsource SharePoint development to a specialized agency. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a SharePoint development agency:
- Experience and Expertise: Look for a SharePoint development agency with a proven track record and experience in developing SharePoint intranets. They should have a team of skilled developers who are familiar with SharePoint’s capabilities and best practices.
- Customization Options: Ensure that the agency can customize the SharePoint intranet to meet your organization’s specific requirements. This includes branding, layout, and functionality customization.
- Managed Services: Consider whether the agency offers managed SharePoint services, including ongoing support, maintenance, and updates. This ensures that your SharePoint intranet remains secure and up-to-date.
- Client References: Ask for client references and testimonials to gauge the agency’s reputation and client satisfaction. This will give you confidence in their ability to deliver a high-quality SharePoint intranet.
- Cost and Timeline: Discuss the cost and timeline of the SharePoint intranet development project with the agency. Ensure that they provide a detailed proposal outlining the scope of work, deliverables, and timelines.
Conclusion
A well-designed and developed SharePoint intranet can significantly improve productivity and collaboration within an organization. Whether you choose SharePoint on-premise or SharePoint online, partnering with a SharePoint development agency can ensure a successful implementation. Consider the benefits of SharePoint intranet development, the customization options available, and the factors to consider when choosing a SharePoint development agency. With the right intranet in place, your organization can drive productivity and achieve its goals.