SharePoint Development Company: How to Choose the Best One
Introduction
SharePoint is a powerful platform that allows organizations to create and manage their intranet, websites, and collaboration tools. However, developing and customizing SharePoint requires expertise and experience. That’s why it’s important to choose the right SharePoint development company to ensure the success of your SharePoint project.
Factors to Consider
When choosing a SharePoint development company, there are several factors to consider:
1. Experience and Expertise
One of the most important factors to consider is the experience and expertise of the SharePoint development company. Look for a company that has a proven track record of successful SharePoint projects and has a team of experienced SharePoint developers. They should have a deep understanding of SharePoint’s capabilities and be able to provide innovative solutions to meet your specific requirements.
2. Portfolio and References
Review the company’s portfolio and ask for references from their previous clients. This will give you an idea of the quality of their work and their ability to deliver on time and within budget. Contact the references and ask about their experience working with the company, the level of support they received, and whether they would recommend them for SharePoint development.
3. Customization and Integration
Every organization has unique requirements for their SharePoint website or intranet. Make sure the SharePoint development company has the ability to customize and integrate SharePoint to meet your specific needs. They should be able to develop custom web parts, workflows, and other solutions to enhance the functionality and user experience of your SharePoint site.
4. Support and Maintenance
SharePoint is a complex platform that requires ongoing support and maintenance. Ask the SharePoint development company about their support and maintenance services. They should provide regular updates, bug fixes, and security patches to ensure the smooth operation of your SharePoint site. Additionally, they should offer training and documentation to help your team effectively use and manage SharePoint.
5. Cost and Timeline
Discuss the cost and timeline of your SharePoint project with the development company. They should provide a detailed proposal that outlines the scope of work, deliverables, and timeline. Make sure the cost is within your budget and the timeline aligns with your project goals. However, be cautious of companies that offer significantly lower prices or unrealistic timelines, as this may indicate a lack of expertise or quality.
Questions to Ask
When evaluating SharePoint development companies, ask the following questions:
1. How long have you been developing SharePoint solutions?
Look for a company with at least a few years of experience in SharePoint development. This ensures they have a deep understanding of the platform and have encountered and solved various challenges.
2. Can you provide examples of SharePoint projects you have completed?
Review the company’s portfolio and ask for specific examples of SharePoint projects they have completed. This will give you an idea of their capabilities and the quality of their work.
3. How do you handle customization and integration?
Ask the company about their approach to customization and integration. They should have a structured process for gathering requirements, developing custom solutions, and integrating third-party systems.
4. What support and maintenance services do you offer?
Inquire about the company’s support and maintenance services. They should provide regular updates, bug fixes, and security patches to ensure the smooth operation of your SharePoint site.
5. How do you handle project management and communication?
Ask about the company’s project management approach and communication channels. They should have a dedicated project manager who will keep you updated on the progress of your SharePoint project and be available to address any concerns or questions you may have.
Conclusion
Choosing the best SharePoint development company is crucial for the success of your SharePoint website or intranet development. Consider factors such as experience, portfolio, customization capabilities, support and maintenance services, and cost and timeline. Ask the right questions to evaluate the company’s expertise and approach. By taking the time to research and choose the right SharePoint development company, you can ensure a successful and efficient SharePoint project.