Intranet SharePoint: The Key to Effective Internal Communication
Introduction
Internal communication plays a crucial role in the success of any organization. It ensures that employees are well-informed, aligned with the company’s goals, and able to collaborate effectively. In today’s digital age, organizations are increasingly turning to intranet solutions to streamline their internal communication processes. One such solution is SharePoint, a powerful platform developed by Microsoft.
What is SharePoint?
SharePoint is a web-based collaboration and document management platform that allows organizations to create intranet websites for internal communication and collaboration. It provides a centralized platform for employees to access and share information, collaborate on projects, and manage documents. SharePoint can be deployed both on-premise and online, depending on the organization’s requirements.
The Benefits of SharePoint Intranet
Implementing SharePoint as an intranet solution offers several benefits for organizations:
1. Improved Collaboration
SharePoint provides a range of collaboration tools that enable employees to work together more efficiently. Features such as document co-authoring, version control, and real-time editing allow multiple users to collaborate on documents simultaneously. This improves productivity and reduces the need for back-and-forth email exchanges.
2. Centralized Information
With SharePoint, organizations can create a centralized repository for all their important information. This includes documents, policies, procedures, and other resources that employees may need to access. By having a single source of truth, employees can easily find the information they need, reducing time wasted searching for documents or outdated information.
3. Enhanced Communication
SharePoint offers various communication tools to facilitate effective internal communication. Features such as news feeds, discussion boards, and announcements enable organizations to share important updates, news, and announcements with employees. This ensures that everyone is kept informed and aligned with the company’s goals and initiatives.
4. Customizable Intranet Design
SharePoint allows organizations to customize the design and layout of their intranet to match their branding and corporate identity. This helps create a familiar and engaging user experience for employees, increasing adoption and usage of the intranet. Customization options include adding company logos, colors, and personalized dashboards.
5. Secure Document Management
Security is a top priority for organizations when it comes to managing sensitive documents. SharePoint provides robust security features, allowing organizations to control access to documents and ensure that only authorized personnel can view or edit them. It also offers version control and audit trails, enabling organizations to track changes and maintain document integrity.
SharePoint Intranet Development
Developing a SharePoint intranet requires expertise and technical knowledge. Organizations can choose to develop their intranet in-house or outsource the development to a SharePoint development agency. Here are some key considerations for SharePoint intranet development:
1. In-house Development
Developing a SharePoint intranet in-house requires a dedicated team of SharePoint developers and IT professionals. They will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining the intranet. In-house development offers more control and customization options but requires significant time, resources, and expertise.
2. Outsourcing Development
Outsourcing SharePoint intranet development to a specialized agency can be a cost-effective and efficient solution. SharePoint development agencies have the expertise and experience to design and develop customized intranets that meet the organization’s specific requirements. They can also provide ongoing support and maintenance services, ensuring the intranet remains up-to-date and secure.
3. Customization and Integration
When developing a SharePoint intranet, organizations should consider their unique requirements and workflows. Customization options include creating custom workflows, integrating with other systems and applications, and developing custom web parts or features. This ensures that the intranet aligns with the organization’s processes and enhances productivity.
4. User Adoption and Training
Successful implementation of a SharePoint intranet requires user adoption and training. Organizations should invest in user training programs to familiarize employees with the intranet’s features and functionalities. This will encourage employees to embrace the intranet as a valuable tool for their daily work and improve overall communication and collaboration.
Managed SharePoint Services
Managing a SharePoint intranet requires ongoing maintenance, updates, and support. Organizations can choose to manage their intranet in-house or opt for managed SharePoint services provided by specialized agencies. Here are some benefits of managed SharePoint services:
1. Expert Support and Maintenance
Managed SharePoint services provide organizations with access to a team of experts who can handle the day-to-day management and maintenance of the intranet. This includes applying updates and patches, resolving technical issues, and ensuring the intranet is running smoothly. It allows organizations to focus on their core business activities while leaving the technical aspects to the experts.
2. Proactive Monitoring and Security
Managed SharePoint services include proactive monitoring and security measures to protect the intranet from potential threats. This includes regular security audits, vulnerability assessments, and implementing security best practices. It ensures that the intranet remains secure and compliant with industry standards and regulations.
3. Scalability and Flexibility
As organizations grow and evolve, their intranet requirements may change. Managed SharePoint services offer scalability and flexibility, allowing organizations to easily scale their intranet infrastructure to accommodate increasing users, data, and functionality. It also provides the flexibility to integrate with other systems and applications as needed.
4. Cost Savings
Outsourcing the management of a SharePoint intranet can result in cost savings for organizations. Managed services providers offer flexible pricing models, allowing organizations to pay for the services they need without the overhead costs of hiring and training in-house IT staff. It also eliminates the need for investing in infrastructure and hardware.
Conclusion
Intranet SharePoint is a powerful tool that can significantly improve internal communication within organizations. It offers a range of features and benefits, including improved collaboration, centralized information, enhanced communication, customizable design, and secure document management. Whether organizations choose to develop their intranet in-house or outsource the development, SharePoint provides a robust platform for effective internal communication. Managed SharePoint services further enhance the intranet’s performance, security, and scalability. By leveraging SharePoint as an intranet solution, organizations can streamline their internal communication processes and foster a more connected and productive workforce.