Should You Outsource SharePoint Development? Pros and Cons
Introduction
SharePoint is a powerful platform developed by Microsoft that allows organizations to create websites, intranets, and collaboration tools. 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 to a SharePoint development agency. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of outsourcing SharePoint development.
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, organizations can gain access to a team of experienced and skilled developers who specialize in SharePoint development. These developers have in-depth knowledge of the platform and can provide valuable insights and recommendations for the project. They can also bring new ideas and innovative solutions to the table, helping organizations to create a high-quality SharePoint website or intranet.
2. Cost Savings
Outsourcing SharePoint development can be a cost-effective solution for organizations. Hiring and training an in-house development team can be expensive, especially if the organization does not have a dedicated IT department. By outsourcing, organizations can save on recruitment, training, and infrastructure costs. Additionally, outsourcing allows organizations to pay for development services on a project basis, reducing the need for long-term commitments.
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 complete projects efficiently and within the desired timeframe. They can also provide dedicated project management and support, ensuring that the development process is streamlined and on track.
4. Scalability and Flexibility
Outsourcing SharePoint development allows organizations to scale their development resources based on their needs. Whether it’s a small project or a large-scale implementation, outsourcing provides the flexibility to ramp up or down the development team as required. This scalability ensures that organizations can adapt to changing business requirements and allocate resources accordingly.
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 development tasks, organizations can concentrate on their primary business activities. This can lead to increased productivity and efficiency, as well as improved overall performance.
Cons of Outsourcing SharePoint Development
While outsourcing SharePoint development offers several benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks to 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 team is located in a different time zone or speaks a different language. Effective communication and collaboration are crucial for the success of any development project, and organizations need to ensure that they have a clear and efficient communication process in place.
2. Lack of Control
Outsourcing SharePoint development means handing over control of the project to an external team. While this can be beneficial in terms of expertise and cost savings, it also means that organizations have less control over the development process. It’s important to establish clear expectations and milestones with the development agency to ensure that the project is progressing as desired.
3. Security and Confidentiality Risks
Outsourcing SharePoint development can introduce security and confidentiality risks. Organizations need to ensure that the development agency has robust security measures in place to protect sensitive data and information. It’s also important to have proper legal agreements and non-disclosure agreements in place to safeguard intellectual property and confidential information.
4. Dependency on External Providers
Outsourcing SharePoint development means relying on external providers for ongoing support and maintenance. Organizations need to carefully evaluate the capabilities and reliability of the development agency to ensure that they can provide the necessary support and maintenance services. It’s also important to have a contingency plan in place in case the development agency is unable to fulfill their obligations.
5. Cultural and Organizational Differences
Outsourcing SharePoint development to a different country or culture can introduce cultural and organizational differences. These differences can impact the development process and the final outcome of the project. It’s important to choose a development agency that understands and aligns with the organization’s culture and values to minimize potential conflicts and misunderstandings.
Conclusion
Outsourcing SharePoint development can be a strategic decision for organizations looking to leverage the expertise and cost savings offered by external development agencies. However, it’s important to carefully evaluate the pros and cons before making a decision. By considering factors such as expertise, cost savings, time to market, scalability, and control, organizations can make an informed choice that aligns with their business goals and requirements.