Pros and Cons: Should You Outsource SharePoint Development?
Introduction
SharePoint is a powerful platform developed by Microsoft that allows organizations to create websites, intranets, and collaboration spaces. It offers a wide range of features and capabilities that can be customized to meet specific business needs. When it comes to SharePoint development, organizations have the option to either develop in-house or outsource the development work to a SharePoint development agency. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of outsourcing SharePoint development and help you make an informed decision.
Pros of Outsourcing SharePoint Development
Outsourcing SharePoint development can offer several advantages for organizations. Here are some of the key pros:
1. Access to Expertise
By outsourcing SharePoint development to a specialized agency, organizations can gain access to a team of experts who have extensive experience and knowledge in SharePoint development. These experts can provide valuable insights and guidance throughout the development process, ensuring that the final product meets the organization’s requirements and objectives.
2. Cost Savings
Outsourcing SharePoint development can be a cost-effective solution for organizations, especially for small and medium-sized businesses. Hiring and training an in-house development team can be expensive, as it requires investing in infrastructure, software licenses, and ongoing training. By outsourcing, organizations can save on these costs and only pay for the development services they require.
3. Faster Time to Market
Outsourcing SharePoint development can help organizations accelerate their time to market. SharePoint development agencies have the necessary resources and expertise to quickly develop and deploy SharePoint solutions. This can be particularly beneficial for organizations that need to launch their SharePoint website or intranet within a tight deadline.
4. Scalability and Flexibility
Outsourcing SharePoint development allows organizations to scale their development resources up or down based on their needs. This flexibility is particularly useful for organizations that have fluctuating development requirements or are working on short-term projects. By outsourcing, organizations can easily adjust their development resources without the need for hiring or firing employees.
5. Focus on Core Competencies
By outsourcing SharePoint development, organizations can free up their internal resources and focus on their core competencies. Instead of spending time and effort on SharePoint development, organizations can allocate their resources to activities that directly contribute to their business goals and objectives.
Cons of Outsourcing SharePoint Development
While outsourcing SharePoint development offers several benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks that organizations should consider. Here are some of the cons:
1. Communication and Collaboration Challenges
Outsourcing SharePoint development can introduce communication and collaboration challenges, especially if the development agency is located in a different time zone or speaks a different language. It is important for organizations to establish clear communication channels and processes to ensure effective collaboration throughout the development process.
2. Lack of Control
When outsourcing SharePoint development, organizations may have less control over the development process compared to in-house development. This can be a concern for organizations that have specific requirements or want to have full control over the development timeline and deliverables. It is important to establish clear expectations and milestones with the development agency to mitigate this risk.
3. Security and Confidentiality Risks
Outsourcing SharePoint development can introduce security and confidentiality risks, especially if the development agency has access to sensitive data or proprietary information. It is important for organizations to conduct due diligence and ensure that the development agency has robust security measures in place to protect their data.
4. Dependency on External Service Provider
By outsourcing SharePoint development, organizations become dependent on the external service provider for ongoing support and maintenance. This can be a concern if the service provider is unable to meet the organization’s support needs or if there are issues with the quality of the delivered solution. It is important to choose a reliable and reputable SharePoint development agency to mitigate this risk.
5. Cultural and Organizational Misalignment
Outsourcing SharePoint development to a different organization can introduce cultural and organizational misalignment. The development agency may have a different work culture, values, and priorities compared to the organization. It is important to establish a strong working relationship and ensure alignment on goals and expectations to minimize potential conflicts.
Conclusion
Outsourcing SharePoint development can offer several benefits, including access to expertise, cost savings, faster time to market, scalability and flexibility, and the ability to focus on core competencies. However, organizations should also consider the potential drawbacks, such as communication and collaboration challenges, lack of control, security and confidentiality risks, dependency on external service providers, and cultural and organizational misalignment. It is important for organizations to carefully evaluate their specific needs and requirements before making a decision on whether to outsource SharePoint development or pursue in-house development.