Redefining Staff Intranet Development: A Holistic Approach
Introduction
In today’s digital age, organizations are constantly looking for ways to improve internal communication and collaboration among their staff. One effective solution that has gained popularity is the development of a staff intranet. A staff intranet serves as a centralized platform where employees can access important information, collaborate on projects, and communicate with each other.
The Importance of Intranet Development
An effective staff intranet can greatly enhance the productivity and efficiency of an organization. It provides a single point of access to all the tools and resources that employees need to perform their jobs effectively. This includes access to company policies, procedures, and documents, as well as communication tools such as email, instant messaging, and video conferencing.
Choosing the Right Platform
When it comes to intranet development, one of the most popular platforms is SharePoint. SharePoint is a web-based platform that integrates with Microsoft Office, providing a wide range of features and functionalities for intranet development. There are two main options for SharePoint deployment: on-premise and online.
On-Premise SharePoint
On-premise SharePoint involves hosting the intranet infrastructure on the organization’s own servers. This gives organizations full control over the customization and management of their intranet. However, it also requires a significant investment in hardware, software, and IT resources.
SharePoint Online
SharePoint Online, on the other hand, is a cloud-based solution that is hosted and managed by Microsoft. This eliminates the need for organizations to invest in their own infrastructure and IT resources. SharePoint Online offers a range of subscription plans, allowing organizations to choose the features and functionalities that best meet their needs.
Outsourcing SharePoint Development
Developing a staff intranet can be a complex and time-consuming process. Many organizations choose to outsource their SharePoint development to a specialized agency. A SharePoint development agency has the expertise and experience to design and develop a customized intranet that meets the unique needs of the organization.
Benefits of Outsourcing SharePoint Development
Outsourcing SharePoint development offers several benefits for organizations:
- Access to specialized expertise: A SharePoint development agency has a team of experts who are well-versed in SharePoint development and can provide valuable insights and recommendations.
- Cost savings: Outsourcing SharePoint development eliminates the need for organizations to invest in their own infrastructure and IT resources, resulting in cost savings.
- Time savings: A SharePoint development agency can complete the development process more efficiently, allowing organizations to launch their intranet sooner.
- Customization: Outsourcing SharePoint development allows organizations to customize their intranet to meet their specific needs and branding requirements.
- Ongoing support: A SharePoint development agency can provide ongoing support and maintenance for the intranet, ensuring that it continues to meet the organization’s evolving needs.
Best Practices for Intranet Development
When developing a staff intranet, it is important to follow best practices to ensure its success:
1. User-Centric Design
The design of the intranet should be user-centric, focusing on the needs and preferences of the employees. This includes intuitive navigation, easy access to information, and a visually appealing interface.
2. Clear Information Architecture
The information architecture of the intranet should be well-organized and easy to navigate. This includes categorizing information into logical sections and providing search functionality to quickly find specific information.
3. Mobile-Friendly Design
In today’s mobile-driven world, it is essential for the intranet to be mobile-friendly. This means that it should be accessible and functional on a variety of devices, including smartphones and tablets.
4. Integration with Existing Systems
The intranet should be seamlessly integrated with existing systems and tools that employees use on a daily basis. This includes email, document management systems, and collaboration tools.
5. Training and Support
Proper training and support should be provided to employees to ensure that they are able to effectively use the intranet. This includes providing user guides, conducting training sessions, and offering ongoing support.
Conclusion
Redefining staff intranet development requires a holistic approach that takes into account the unique needs and preferences of the organization. By choosing the right platform, outsourcing development to a specialized agency, and following best practices, organizations can create a staff intranet that enhances communication, collaboration, and productivity among their employees.