Formulating an Effective Intranet Development Strategy
Introduction
An intranet is a private network that is used within an organization to facilitate communication, collaboration, and information sharing among employees. It serves as a centralized platform where employees can access important documents, company news, and other resources. Intranets have become an essential tool for organizations of all sizes, as they help improve productivity, streamline processes, and enhance employee engagement.
The Benefits of SharePoint for Intranet Development
SharePoint is a powerful platform developed by Microsoft that is widely used for intranet development. It offers a range of features and functionalities that make it an ideal choice for organizations looking to build an effective intranet. Some of the key benefits of using SharePoint for intranet development include:
- Centralized Document Management: SharePoint allows organizations to store, organize, and manage documents in a centralized location. This makes it easy for employees to find and access the information they need, improving efficiency and reducing the time spent searching for documents.
- Collaboration and Communication: SharePoint provides a variety of tools and features that facilitate collaboration and communication among employees. It allows for real-time document editing, discussion boards, team sites, and more, enabling teams to work together effectively regardless of their physical location.
- Customization and Personalization: SharePoint offers a high level of customization and personalization options, allowing organizations to tailor their intranet to their specific needs and branding. This helps create a user-friendly and engaging experience for employees.
- Integration with Other Microsoft Tools: SharePoint seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft tools such as Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. This integration allows for easy sharing and collaboration on documents, calendars, and other resources.
- Security and Permissions: SharePoint provides robust security features, allowing organizations to control access to sensitive information and ensure data privacy. It offers granular permissions settings, version control, and audit trails, giving organizations full control over their intranet content.
Choosing the Right SharePoint Development Agency
When it comes to intranet development, choosing the right SharePoint development agency is crucial. The agency you select will play a significant role in the success of your intranet project. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a SharePoint development agency:
- Experience and Expertise: Look for an agency with a proven track record in SharePoint development. Check their portfolio and client testimonials to assess their experience and expertise in building intranets.
- Understanding of Your Business Needs: The agency should have a clear understanding of your organization’s goals, objectives, and specific requirements. They should be able to provide customized solutions that align with your business needs.
- Collaborative Approach: Choose an agency that values collaboration and communication. They should involve your team throughout the development process, seeking feedback and incorporating your input to ensure the final product meets your expectations.
- Support and Maintenance: Intranets require ongoing support and maintenance. Ensure that the agency offers post-development support and maintenance services to keep your intranet running smoothly.
- Cost and Timeline: Discuss the cost and timeline of the project with the agency upfront. Make sure they provide a detailed proposal outlining the scope of work, deliverables, and associated costs.
Outsourcing SharePoint Development vs. In-House Development
One of the key decisions organizations need to make when it comes to intranet development is whether to outsource the project to a SharePoint development agency or handle it in-house. Both options have their pros and cons, and the choice depends on various factors such as budget, resources, and expertise.
Outsourcing SharePoint Development:
- Expertise: SharePoint development agencies specialize in building intranets and have extensive experience and expertise in SharePoint development. They can provide customized solutions and ensure a smooth development process.
- Cost-Effective: Outsourcing can be a cost-effective option, especially for small and medium-sized organizations that may not have the resources or budget to hire an in-house development team.
- Time-Saving: SharePoint development agencies have streamlined processes and dedicated teams, allowing for faster development and deployment of the intranet.
- Access to Latest Technologies: SharePoint development agencies stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends in intranet development. They can leverage these technologies to create a modern and feature-rich intranet.
In-House Development:
- Control and Customization: In-house development gives organizations full control over the development process and allows for greater customization to meet specific requirements.
- Internal Knowledge and Expertise: If your organization has a team with SharePoint development expertise, handling the project in-house can be a viable option. It allows you to leverage internal knowledge and resources.
- Long-Term Cost Savings: While outsourcing may be cost-effective in the short term, in-house development can result in long-term cost savings as there are no ongoing agency fees.
- Flexibility and Scalability: In-house development provides greater flexibility and scalability, as you have full control over the development roadmap and can make changes and updates as needed.
Conclusion
Formulating an effective intranet development strategy is crucial for organizations looking to improve communication, collaboration, and productivity. SharePoint offers a range of features and functionalities that make it an ideal choice for intranet development. By choosing the right SharePoint development agency and deciding whether to outsource or handle the development in-house, organizations can build a customized and efficient intranet that meets their specific needs. Whether you opt for a SharePoint on-premise or SharePoint online solution, investing in intranet development can have a significant impact on your organization’s success.