Harnessing SharePoint as an Intranet: A Strategic Guide
Introduction
SharePoint is a powerful platform that can be utilized as an intranet to enhance collaboration, communication, and productivity within an organization. In this strategic guide, we will explore the benefits of using SharePoint as an intranet and provide insights on how to effectively harness its capabilities.
Benefits of SharePoint as an Intranet
SharePoint offers numerous benefits as an intranet platform. Firstly, it provides a centralized location for employees to access and share information, documents, and resources. This improves efficiency and reduces the time spent searching for information.
Secondly, SharePoint allows for seamless collaboration among team members. It enables real-time document editing, version control, and commenting, making it easier for teams to work together on projects.
Additionally, SharePoint offers robust security features, ensuring that sensitive company information is protected. It allows for granular permissions, enabling administrators to control access to specific documents and sites.
Different SharePoint Deployment Options
SharePoint can be deployed either on-premise or online. On-premise deployment involves hosting SharePoint on the organization’s own servers, providing complete control over the infrastructure and data. On the other hand, SharePoint Online is a cloud-based solution hosted by Microsoft, offering scalability, automatic updates, and accessibility from anywhere with an internet connection.
Intranet Design and Development
Designing and developing an effective intranet on SharePoint requires careful planning and consideration. The intranet should be user-friendly, visually appealing, and aligned with the organization’s branding. It should also be organized in a logical and intuitive manner, making it easy for employees to navigate and find the information they need.
When developing the intranet, it is important to involve key stakeholders and gather their requirements. This ensures that the intranet meets the needs of the organization and its employees. Customization options in SharePoint allow for tailoring the intranet to specific requirements, such as integrating with other systems or adding custom functionality.
Outsourcing SharePoint Development
Outsourcing SharePoint development to a specialized agency can be a cost-effective and efficient solution. A SharePoint development agency has the expertise and experience to design and develop a customized intranet that meets the organization’s requirements. They can also provide ongoing support and maintenance, ensuring the intranet remains up-to-date and optimized.
Managed SharePoint Services
Managed SharePoint services offer organizations the convenience of outsourcing the management and maintenance of their SharePoint environment. This includes tasks such as monitoring, troubleshooting, and applying updates and patches. By leveraging managed SharePoint services, organizations can focus on their core business activities while ensuring their intranet remains secure and optimized.
Conclusion
SharePoint is a versatile platform that can be harnessed as an intranet to enhance collaboration, communication, and productivity within an organization. By carefully designing and developing the intranet, involving key stakeholders, and considering outsourcing options, organizations can leverage SharePoint’s capabilities to create a powerful and efficient intranet solution.