SharePoint in Intranet Development: A Powerful Combination
Introduction
Intranets have become an essential tool for organizations to improve communication, collaboration, and productivity among their employees. SharePoint, a web-based platform developed by Microsoft, is widely recognized as one of the leading solutions for intranet development. With its robust features and customizable options, SharePoint offers a powerful combination for creating and managing intranets.
Benefits of SharePoint in Intranet Development
When it comes to intranet development, SharePoint offers a wide range of benefits that make it an ideal choice for organizations:
1. Centralized Content Management
SharePoint provides a centralized platform for managing and organizing content within an intranet. With its document management capabilities, users can easily create, store, and collaborate on documents, ensuring that the latest version is always accessible to the right people.
2. Seamless Integration with Microsoft Office
As a Microsoft product, SharePoint seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. This integration allows users to edit and collaborate on documents directly within the intranet, eliminating the need to switch between different applications.
3. Customizable Design and Layout
SharePoint offers a wide range of customization options, allowing organizations to create a unique and branded intranet design. From choosing color schemes and fonts to adding logos and banners, SharePoint provides the flexibility to tailor the intranet to match the organization’s branding and design guidelines.
4. Powerful Search Functionality
With its powerful search functionality, SharePoint makes it easy for users to find the information they need within the intranet. Users can search for documents, people, and even specific keywords, saving time and improving productivity.
5. Collaboration and Social Features
SharePoint offers a range of collaboration and social features that enhance communication and teamwork within an organization. Users can create and participate in discussion boards, share news and updates, and even create their own blogs or wikis, fostering a sense of community and knowledge sharing.
SharePoint On-Premise vs SharePoint Online
When considering SharePoint for intranet development, organizations have the option to choose between SharePoint On-Premise and SharePoint Online. Here are the key differences:
SharePoint On-Premise
SharePoint On-Premise refers to the traditional deployment model where the software is installed and managed on the organization’s own servers. This option provides organizations with full control over their intranet environment and allows for extensive customization and integration with other systems. However, it also requires significant upfront investment in hardware, software licenses, and IT resources for maintenance and support.
SharePoint Online
SharePoint Online, on the other hand, is a cloud-based solution offered as part of Microsoft 365. With SharePoint Online, organizations can leverage the power of SharePoint without the need for on-premise infrastructure. This option offers scalability, flexibility, and automatic updates, making it an attractive choice for organizations looking for a cost-effective and hassle-free intranet solution. However, it may have limitations in terms of customization and integration compared to SharePoint On-Premise.
Outsourcing SharePoint Development
For organizations that lack the in-house expertise or resources to develop and manage their SharePoint intranet, outsourcing SharePoint development to a specialized agency can be a viable option. A SharePoint development agency can provide the following benefits:
1. Expertise and Experience
A SharePoint development agency has a team of experienced professionals who specialize in SharePoint development. They have in-depth knowledge of the platform and can leverage their expertise to create a customized and feature-rich intranet that meets the organization’s specific requirements.
2. Cost Savings
Outsourcing SharePoint development can be a cost-effective solution compared to hiring and maintaining an in-house team. Organizations can save on recruitment, training, and infrastructure costs by partnering with a SharePoint development agency.
3. Time Efficiency
By outsourcing SharePoint development, organizations can save time and focus on their core business activities. The agency takes care of the entire development process, from planning and design to implementation and maintenance, ensuring a smooth and timely delivery of the intranet.
Custom SharePoint Development
While SharePoint offers a range of out-of-the-box features, organizations may have unique requirements that cannot be fulfilled by the standard functionalities. In such cases, custom SharePoint development can be the solution. Custom SharePoint development involves creating tailored solutions and applications that extend the capabilities of SharePoint to meet specific business needs.
Managed SharePoint Services
Once the SharePoint intranet is developed, it requires ongoing management and support to ensure its smooth operation. Managed SharePoint services provide organizations with the following benefits:
1. Proactive Monitoring and Maintenance
A managed SharePoint service provider monitors the intranet for any issues or performance issues and takes proactive measures to ensure its smooth operation. This includes regular maintenance, updates, and security patches.
2. Technical Support
In case of any technical issues or user queries, a managed SharePoint service provider offers dedicated technical support to resolve the problems quickly and efficiently. This ensures minimal downtime and uninterrupted access to the intranet.
3. Scalability and Flexibility
A managed SharePoint service provider can scale the intranet infrastructure based on the organization’s changing needs. Whether it’s adding new users, expanding storage capacity, or integrating new applications, the service provider ensures that the intranet can accommodate the organization’s growth and evolving requirements.
Conclusion
SharePoint is a powerful platform for intranet development, offering a wide range of features and customization options. Whether organizations choose SharePoint On-Premise or SharePoint Online, they can leverage its capabilities to create a centralized and collaborative intranet that enhances communication, productivity, and knowledge sharing. By outsourcing SharePoint development and opting for managed SharePoint services, organizations can ensure a smooth and hassle-free intranet experience. With its powerful combination of SharePoint and intranet development, organizations can unlock the full potential of their intranet and drive business success.