Intranet Development: Things to Keep in Mind
Introduction
Intranets have become an essential tool for organizations to improve internal communication, collaboration, and productivity. SharePoint, a web-based platform developed by Microsoft, is widely used for intranet development due to its robust features and flexibility. Whether you are considering building a SharePoint intranet from scratch or upgrading an existing one, there are several important factors to keep in mind to ensure a successful development process and a user-friendly intranet solution.
1. Define Your Objectives and Requirements
Before starting the development process, it is crucial to clearly define your objectives and requirements for the SharePoint intranet. Identify the specific goals you want to achieve with the intranet, such as improving communication, streamlining processes, or enhancing collaboration. This will help you determine the features and functionalities that are essential for your intranet solution.
2. Choose the Right SharePoint Version
SharePoint is available in both on-premise and online versions. Depending on your organization’s needs and preferences, you need to choose the right version for your intranet development. On-premise SharePoint offers more customization options and control over the infrastructure, while SharePoint Online provides the advantage of automatic updates and scalability.
3. Consider User Experience and Design
User experience and design play a crucial role in the success of any intranet solution. A well-designed and intuitive user interface can significantly improve user adoption and engagement. Consider the needs and preferences of your users when designing the intranet, and ensure that the navigation is easy to use and the content is organized in a logical manner. Collaborate with a professional intranet design agency to create a visually appealing and user-friendly SharePoint intranet.
4. Plan for Customizations and Integrations
SharePoint offers a wide range of out-of-the-box features, but you may need customizations and integrations to meet your specific requirements. Identify the customizations and integrations you need early in the development process to avoid any delays or additional costs. Consider outsourcing SharePoint development to a specialized agency that can provide expertise in customizing and integrating SharePoint with other systems and applications.
5. Ensure Security and Compliance
Security and compliance are critical considerations for any intranet solution. SharePoint provides robust security features, such as user authentication, access control, and data encryption. However, it is important to configure these features properly and regularly update the security settings to protect sensitive information. Additionally, ensure that your intranet solution complies with relevant industry regulations and data protection laws.
6. Plan for Ongoing Maintenance and Support
Building a SharePoint intranet is not a one-time project; it requires ongoing maintenance and support to ensure its smooth operation. Plan for regular updates, bug fixes, and performance optimizations to keep your intranet up to date and secure. Consider partnering with a managed SharePoint services provider who can take care of the maintenance and support tasks, allowing your internal IT team to focus on other strategic initiatives.
Conclusion
Intranet development is a complex process that requires careful planning and consideration of various factors. By defining your objectives, choosing the right SharePoint version, focusing on user experience and design, planning for customizations and integrations, ensuring security and compliance, and planning for ongoing maintenance and support, you can create a successful SharePoint intranet that meets the unique needs of your organization. Consider partnering with a SharePoint development agency to leverage their expertise and ensure a smooth and efficient development process.