Integrating SharePoint Services into your Intranet Strategy
Introduction
SharePoint is a powerful platform developed by Microsoft that allows organizations to create, manage, and share information and documents within their intranet. It offers a wide range of features and functionalities that can greatly enhance the efficiency and productivity of your intranet. In this article, we will explore the benefits of integrating SharePoint services into your intranet strategy and how it can improve your overall intranet design and development.
Benefits of SharePoint Development
SharePoint development offers numerous benefits for organizations looking to improve their intranet strategy. Some of the key benefits include:
1. Centralized Document Management
SharePoint allows you to store all your documents in a centralized location, making it easy for employees to access and collaborate on files. With SharePoint, you can create document libraries, set permissions, and track document versions, ensuring that everyone has access to the most up-to-date information.
2. Improved Collaboration
SharePoint provides a range of collaboration tools that enable employees to work together more effectively. Features such as document co-authoring, real-time editing, and discussion boards promote collaboration and knowledge sharing within your organization.
3. Customizable Intranet Design
SharePoint allows you to create a customized intranet design that aligns with your organization’s branding and visual identity. You can choose from a variety of templates and themes, or create your own design using SharePoint’s design tools. This ensures that your intranet reflects your organization’s unique culture and values.
4. Integration with Other Microsoft Tools
SharePoint seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft tools such as Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. This integration allows employees to access and edit documents directly from these applications, streamlining their workflow and improving productivity.
5. Enhanced Security and Compliance
SharePoint offers robust security features that allow you to control access to sensitive information and protect your data from unauthorized access. You can set permissions at the document, library, or site level, ensuring that only authorized users can view and edit confidential information. SharePoint also helps organizations meet regulatory compliance requirements by providing features such as audit trails and document retention policies.
Intranet Development with SharePoint
When it comes to intranet development, SharePoint provides a comprehensive set of tools and features that make it an ideal choice for organizations. Whether you are looking to create a new intranet or enhance your existing one, SharePoint offers the flexibility and scalability to meet your needs.
1. SharePoint On-Premise vs SharePoint Online
SharePoint is available in two deployment options: on-premise and online. SharePoint on-premise is installed and hosted on your organization’s servers, giving you full control over your intranet environment. SharePoint online, on the other hand, is a cloud-based solution hosted by Microsoft. It offers the advantage of easy scalability and accessibility from anywhere, but may have some limitations in terms of customization and control.
2. Custom SharePoint Development
If you have specific requirements that cannot be met with out-of-the-box SharePoint features, you can opt for custom SharePoint development. This involves creating custom web parts, workflows, and solutions to meet your unique business needs. Custom development allows you to tailor your intranet to your organization’s specific processes and workflows, enhancing productivity and efficiency.
3. Outsourcing SharePoint Development
Outsourcing SharePoint development to a specialized agency can be a cost-effective and efficient way to implement SharePoint in your organization. A SharePoint development agency has the expertise and experience to design and develop a customized intranet that meets your specific requirements. They can also provide ongoing support and maintenance, ensuring that your intranet remains up-to-date and secure.
Managed SharePoint Services
Managed SharePoint services offer organizations the convenience of outsourcing the management and maintenance of their SharePoint environment. With managed services, you can focus on your core business activities while leaving the technical aspects of SharePoint to the experts.
1. SharePoint Administration
A managed SharePoint services provider can handle all aspects of SharePoint administration, including user management, permissions, and site configuration. They can ensure that your SharePoint environment is properly maintained and optimized for performance.
2. SharePoint Support and Training
Managed services providers can offer support and training to your employees, helping them make the most of SharePoint’s features and functionalities. They can provide on-demand support, conduct training sessions, and create documentation and tutorials to assist users.
3. SharePoint Upgrades and Updates
Keeping your SharePoint environment up-to-date with the latest upgrades and updates is essential for security and performance. A managed services provider can handle the installation of updates and upgrades, ensuring that your SharePoint environment is always running on the latest version.
Conclusion
Integrating SharePoint services into your intranet strategy can greatly enhance the efficiency and productivity of your organization. Whether you choose SharePoint on-premise or SharePoint online, custom development or managed services, SharePoint offers a wide range of features and functionalities that can improve your intranet design and development. Consider outsourcing SharePoint development to a specialized agency to ensure that your intranet is tailored to your specific requirements and receives ongoing support and maintenance.