Intranet Design & Development: Trends to Watch
Introduction
Intranets have become an essential tool for organizations to improve internal communication, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. With the advancement in technology, intranet design and development have evolved significantly. This article explores the latest trends in intranet design and development, with a focus on SharePoint as a platform for creating custom intranet websites.
The Rise of SharePoint Intranets
SharePoint has emerged as one of the leading platforms for intranet design and development. It offers a wide range of features and functionalities that enable organizations to create customized intranet websites tailored to their specific needs. SharePoint can be deployed both on-premise and online, providing flexibility and scalability for businesses of all sizes.
Benefits of SharePoint Intranets
SharePoint intranets offer numerous benefits to organizations. Some of the key advantages include improved collaboration, streamlined communication, centralized document management, and enhanced productivity. SharePoint also integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft Office applications, making it a preferred choice for businesses already using Microsoft products.
Trends in Intranet Design
Intranet design has evolved to focus on user experience and engagement. The following are some of the trends to watch in intranet design:
- Responsive Design: With the increasing use of mobile devices, intranets need to be responsive and accessible on different screen sizes.
- Personalization: Users expect personalized experiences, and intranets are no exception. Customizable dashboards and personalized content recommendations are becoming common.
- Social Collaboration: Intranets are incorporating social features such as discussion forums, employee profiles, and activity feeds to encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing.
- Visual Design: Intranets are moving away from traditional corporate designs and embracing modern, visually appealing layouts.
- Integration with Third-Party Tools: Intranets are integrating with various third-party tools and applications to provide a seamless user experience.
Trends in Intranet Development
Intranet development is also evolving to meet the changing needs of organizations. The following are some of the trends in intranet development:
- Cloud-Based Solutions: Organizations are increasingly opting for cloud-based intranet solutions, such as SharePoint Online, for their scalability, cost-effectiveness, and ease of maintenance.
- Integration with Business Systems: Intranets are being integrated with various business systems, such as CRM and ERP, to provide a unified platform for employees.
- Mobile Apps: Intranets are developing mobile apps to enable employees to access information and collaborate on the go.
- AI-Powered Search: Advanced search capabilities powered by artificial intelligence are being implemented to help employees find relevant information quickly.
- Security and Compliance: Intranets are prioritizing security and compliance measures to protect sensitive data and ensure regulatory compliance.
Outsourcing SharePoint Development
Outsourcing SharePoint development has become a popular choice for organizations looking to create custom intranet websites. By partnering with a SharePoint development agency, businesses can leverage the expertise of professionals who specialize in SharePoint development. Outsourcing SharePoint development offers several benefits, including cost savings, access to a wider talent pool, and faster time to market.
Managed SharePoint Services
In addition to outsourcing SharePoint development, organizations can also opt for managed SharePoint services. Managed SharePoint services provide ongoing support and maintenance for SharePoint intranets, ensuring optimal performance, security, and scalability. By outsourcing the management of their SharePoint intranets, organizations can focus on their core business activities while leaving the technical aspects to experts.
Conclusion
Intranet design and development have come a long way, with SharePoint emerging as a leading platform for creating custom intranet websites. The latest trends in intranet design focus on user experience, personalization, social collaboration, visual design, and integration with third-party tools. Intranet development trends include cloud-based solutions, integration with business systems, mobile apps, AI-powered search, and security and compliance measures. Outsourcing SharePoint development and opting for managed SharePoint services are viable options for organizations looking to leverage the benefits of SharePoint intranets without the hassle of in-house development and maintenance.