Evaluating SharePoint Development Firms: A Checklist for Businesses
Introduction
SharePoint is a powerful platform that enables businesses to create websites, intranets, and collaboration portals. However, developing and maintaining a SharePoint solution requires expertise and resources that many businesses may not have in-house. That’s where SharePoint development firms come in. These firms specialize in creating and managing SharePoint solutions for businesses of all sizes.
Why Choose a SharePoint Development Firm?
Outsourcing SharePoint development to a specialized firm offers several advantages. First, these firms have extensive experience and expertise in SharePoint development, ensuring that your solution is built to the highest standards. Second, they can provide ongoing support and maintenance for your SharePoint solution, allowing you to focus on your core business activities. Finally, working with a SharePoint development firm can often be more cost-effective than hiring and training an in-house team.
Key Considerations When Evaluating SharePoint Development Firms
When evaluating SharePoint development firms, there are several key considerations to keep in mind. By following this checklist, you can ensure that you choose the right partner for your SharePoint development needs.
1. Experience and Expertise
One of the first things to consider when evaluating SharePoint development firms is their experience and expertise in SharePoint development. Look for firms that have a proven track record of successfully delivering SharePoint projects. They should have a team of experienced SharePoint developers who are certified in SharePoint development. Additionally, they should have experience working with businesses in your industry or similar industries.
2. Portfolio and Case Studies
Ask the SharePoint development firms for their portfolio and case studies. This will give you an idea of the types of projects they have worked on in the past and the results they have achieved. Look for firms that have experience in developing SharePoint websites, intranets, and collaboration portals. Pay attention to the design and functionality of their previous projects to ensure that they align with your requirements.
3. Client References
Reach out to the firms’ previous clients and ask for references. Speaking with their clients will give you insights into the firm’s communication, project management, and customer service. Ask about their experience working with the firm, the quality of the delivered solution, and whether they would recommend the firm to others. This will help you gauge the firm’s reputation and reliability.
4. Customization and Scalability
Every business has unique requirements when it comes to SharePoint development. Make sure that the SharePoint development firm you choose can customize the solution to meet your specific needs. They should have experience in developing custom SharePoint solutions and be able to scale the solution as your business grows. Additionally, they should be knowledgeable about the latest SharePoint features and updates to ensure that your solution remains up-to-date.
5. Support and Maintenance
After the development phase, ongoing support and maintenance are crucial for the smooth operation of your SharePoint solution. Inquire about the firm’s support and maintenance services. They should offer managed SharePoint services, including regular updates, bug fixes, and technical support. Ask about their response time for support requests and their availability for emergency situations. A reliable support and maintenance service is essential to minimize downtime and ensure the optimal performance of your SharePoint solution.
Conclusion
Choosing the right SharePoint development firm is a critical decision for businesses looking to leverage the power of SharePoint. By considering the firm’s experience and expertise, reviewing their portfolio and case studies, reaching out to their clients for references, ensuring customization and scalability, and evaluating their support and maintenance services, you can make an informed decision and select a partner that will help you achieve your SharePoint development goals.