Intranet Development Strategy: What Works and What Doesn’t
Introduction
In today’s digital age, having an efficient and effective intranet is crucial for businesses to streamline communication, collaboration, and information sharing among employees. SharePoint, a web-based platform developed by Microsoft, has emerged as a popular choice for intranet development due to its robust features and flexibility. In this article, we will explore the key elements of a successful intranet development strategy and discuss what works and what doesn’t in the context of SharePoint intranet development.
1. Understanding SharePoint Intranet Development
SharePoint intranet development involves designing and implementing an intranet solution using the SharePoint platform. SharePoint offers both on-premise and online options, allowing businesses to choose the deployment model that best suits their needs. Whether you opt for an on-premise or online SharePoint intranet, it is essential to have a clear understanding of your organization’s requirements and goals before embarking on the development process.
2. Choosing the Right SharePoint Development Agency
When it comes to SharePoint intranet development, partnering with the right agency is crucial for success. A reputable SharePoint development agency will have a team of experienced developers who can understand your business needs and translate them into a well-designed intranet solution. Look for agencies that have a proven track record in SharePoint development and can provide references from satisfied clients. Additionally, consider their expertise in custom SharePoint development and managed SharePoint services to ensure ongoing support and maintenance of your intranet solution.
3. Designing an Intuitive and User-Friendly Intranet
The design of your intranet plays a crucial role in its adoption and usability. A well-designed intranet should have a clean and intuitive interface, making it easy for employees to navigate and find the information they need. Consider conducting user research and usability testing to gather feedback and make iterative improvements to the design. Additionally, ensure that the intranet is mobile-responsive, allowing employees to access it from any device.
4. Customizing SharePoint for Your Unique Needs
SharePoint offers a wide range of out-of-the-box features and functionalities. However, to truly meet your organization’s unique needs, customization is often required. Work closely with your SharePoint development agency to identify the specific customizations required, such as creating custom workflows, integrating third-party applications, or developing custom web parts. Customizing SharePoint allows you to tailor the intranet to your organization’s workflows and processes, enhancing productivity and efficiency.
5. Ongoing Support and Maintenance
Developing an intranet is not a one-time project; it requires ongoing support and maintenance to ensure its optimal performance. Partner with a SharePoint development agency that offers managed SharePoint services to handle the day-to-day management and maintenance of your intranet solution. This includes regular updates, bug fixes, security patches, and user support. Regularly monitor the usage and feedback from employees to identify areas for improvement and make necessary updates to the intranet.
Conclusion
Intranet development is a complex process that requires careful planning, design, and ongoing support. SharePoint intranet development offers a robust platform for businesses to create a centralized hub for communication, collaboration, and information sharing. By understanding the key elements of a successful intranet development strategy and partnering with the right SharePoint development agency, businesses can create an intranet solution that enhances productivity, efficiency, and employee engagement.