Outsource SharePoint Development: Is it the Right Move for Your Business?
Introduction
SharePoint has become an integral part of many businesses, providing a platform for collaboration, document management, and intranet solutions. However, developing and maintaining a SharePoint website or intranet can be a complex and time-consuming task. Many businesses are now considering outsourcing their SharePoint development to specialized agencies. In this article, we will explore the benefits and considerations of outsourcing SharePoint development and help you determine if it is the right move for your business.
What is SharePoint Development?
SharePoint development involves creating and customizing SharePoint websites and intranets to meet the specific needs of a business. It includes designing and implementing features such as document libraries, workflows, search functionality, and user permissions. SharePoint development can be done on-premise or in the cloud using SharePoint Online.
The Benefits of Outsourcing SharePoint Development
Outsourcing SharePoint development offers several advantages for businesses:
- Expertise and Experience: SharePoint development agencies specialize in creating and customizing SharePoint solutions. They have a team of experienced developers who are well-versed in SharePoint development best practices. By outsourcing, you can leverage their expertise and benefit from their years of experience.
- Cost Savings: Hiring an in-house SharePoint developer can be expensive, especially if you only need their services on a project basis. Outsourcing allows you to pay for the development services you need, without the overhead costs of hiring and maintaining a full-time employee.
- Time Savings: SharePoint development can be a time-consuming process, especially if you are not familiar with the platform. By outsourcing, you can free up your internal resources and focus on other core business activities.
- Access to Latest Technologies: SharePoint development agencies stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends in the industry. By outsourcing, you can ensure that your SharePoint solution is built using the most advanced tools and techniques.
- Scalability: Outsourcing SharePoint development allows you to scale your resources up or down based on your business needs. You can easily add or remove developers from your project team without the hassle of hiring or firing employees.
Considerations for Outsourcing SharePoint Development
While outsourcing SharePoint development offers many benefits, there are also some considerations to keep in mind:
- Security: SharePoint intranets often contain sensitive business data. When outsourcing, it is important to ensure that the agency has robust security measures in place to protect your data from unauthorized access.
- Communication: Effective communication is crucial for successful SharePoint development. When outsourcing, make sure the agency has clear communication channels and provides regular updates on the progress of your project.
- Quality Assurance: Before outsourcing, check the agency’s track record and client testimonials to ensure they deliver high-quality SharePoint solutions. You can also ask for a demo or sample of their previous work to assess their expertise.
- Long-term Support: SharePoint development is an ongoing process, and you may require support and maintenance services after the initial development phase. Make sure the agency offers managed SharePoint services to ensure the long-term success of your solution.
- Cost Considerations: While outsourcing can save costs in the short term, it is important to consider the long-term costs of maintaining and updating your SharePoint solution. Make sure to discuss pricing and support options with the agency before making a decision.
Conclusion
Outsourcing SharePoint development can be a strategic move for businesses looking to leverage the expertise and experience of specialized agencies. It offers cost and time savings, access to the latest technologies, and scalability. However, it is important to consider factors such as security, communication, quality assurance, and long-term support before outsourcing. By carefully evaluating these considerations, you can determine if outsourcing SharePoint development is the right move for your business.