Key Considerations When Hiring a SharePoint Development Agency
Introduction
SharePoint is a powerful platform that allows organizations to create websites, intranets, and collaboration tools. However, developing and managing a SharePoint solution requires expertise and experience. Many organizations choose to hire a SharePoint development agency to ensure the success of their projects. In this article, we will discuss the key considerations when hiring a SharePoint development agency.
1. Expertise in SharePoint Development
When hiring a SharePoint development agency, it is crucial to assess their expertise in SharePoint development. Look for agencies that have a proven track record of successfully delivering SharePoint projects. They should have experience in developing SharePoint websites, intranets, and custom solutions. Ask for case studies or examples of their previous work to evaluate their expertise.
2. Understanding of Intranet Design
If you are looking to develop a SharePoint intranet, it is important to find an agency that has a strong understanding of intranet design. A well-designed intranet can improve employee productivity and collaboration. The agency should have experience in designing user-friendly interfaces, organizing content effectively, and implementing features that enhance communication and collaboration within the organization.
3. Experience with SharePoint On-Premise and Online
Depending on your organization’s requirements, you may need a SharePoint development agency that has experience with both on-premise and online versions of SharePoint. On-premise SharePoint is hosted on your organization’s servers, while SharePoint Online is a cloud-based solution. The agency should be familiar with the differences between the two and be able to advise you on the best option for your organization.
4. Custom SharePoint Development
Every organization has unique requirements when it comes to SharePoint. Look for an agency that offers custom SharePoint development services. They should be able to tailor the SharePoint solution to meet your specific needs and integrate it with your existing systems. Custom development may include creating custom web parts, workflows, or integrating SharePoint with other applications.
5. Outsourcing SharePoint Development
Outsourcing SharePoint development can be a cost-effective option for many organizations. When considering outsourcing, it is important to choose a reliable and trustworthy agency. Look for agencies that have a strong reputation and positive reviews from their clients. Consider factors such as communication, project management, and support services when evaluating potential outsourcing partners.
6. Managed SharePoint Services
Managing a SharePoint solution requires ongoing support and maintenance. Consider hiring an agency that offers managed SharePoint services. These services can include regular updates and patches, troubleshooting, user support, and performance monitoring. Having a dedicated team to manage your SharePoint solution can ensure its smooth operation and minimize downtime.
Conclusion
When hiring a SharePoint development agency, it is important to consider their expertise in SharePoint development, understanding of intranet design, experience with SharePoint on-premise and online, ability to provide custom SharePoint development, reputation in outsourcing SharePoint development, and availability of managed SharePoint services. By carefully evaluating these factors, you can find the right agency to help you successfully develop and manage your SharePoint solution.