The Evolution of SharePoint Developer Job Descriptions in the Modern Era
Introduction
SharePoint is a powerful platform developed by Microsoft that allows organizations to create websites, intranets, and collaboration spaces. Over the years, SharePoint has evolved, and so have the job descriptions of SharePoint developers. In this article, we will explore the changing landscape of SharePoint developer roles and the skills required to excel in this field.
The Traditional SharePoint Developer
In the early days of SharePoint, the role of a SharePoint developer was primarily focused on customizing and extending the platform to meet the specific needs of an organization. These developers were responsible for creating custom web parts, workflows, and solutions using SharePoint’s development framework.
The Rise of SharePoint Intranets
As organizations started to realize the potential of SharePoint as an intranet platform, the demand for SharePoint developers with expertise in intranet design and development grew. SharePoint intranets became a central hub for employees to access company information, collaborate on projects, and communicate with their teams.
The Shift to SharePoint Online
With the introduction of SharePoint Online, the cloud-based version of SharePoint, organizations started to migrate their intranets and websites to the cloud. This shift brought about a change in the skill set required for SharePoint developers. Developers now needed to have a deep understanding of SharePoint Online’s capabilities and be able to leverage its features to build modern, responsive, and mobile-friendly websites and intranets.
The Role of SharePoint Development Agencies
As SharePoint became more complex and organizations required more specialized expertise, the role of SharePoint development agencies emerged. These agencies provide custom SharePoint development services, helping organizations build and maintain their SharePoint solutions. SharePoint development agencies have a team of experienced developers who are well-versed in SharePoint development best practices and can deliver high-quality solutions.
The Modern SharePoint Developer
Today, the role of a SharePoint developer has expanded beyond just customizing and extending the platform. Modern SharePoint developers are expected to have a broad range of skills, including web development, user experience design, and project management. They need to be able to understand the business requirements of an organization and translate them into effective SharePoint solutions.
Skills Required for SharePoint Development
To excel as a SharePoint developer in the modern era, there are several key skills that are essential:
- SharePoint Development: A deep understanding of SharePoint’s development framework and the ability to create custom web parts, workflows, and solutions.
- Web Development: Proficiency in web development technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks like React or Angular.
- User Experience Design: Knowledge of user experience design principles and the ability to create intuitive and user-friendly interfaces.
- Project Management: The ability to manage projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
- Communication: Strong communication skills to effectively collaborate with stakeholders and understand their requirements.
- Problem Solving: The ability to analyze complex problems and come up with innovative solutions.
Outsourcing SharePoint Development
Many organizations choose to outsource their SharePoint development needs to specialized agencies. Outsourcing SharePoint development offers several benefits, including access to a team of experienced developers, cost savings, and faster project delivery. By outsourcing SharePoint development, organizations can focus on their core business activities while leaving the technical aspects to the experts.
Managed SharePoint Services
In addition to custom SharePoint development, many agencies also offer managed SharePoint services. These services include ongoing support, maintenance, and monitoring of SharePoint solutions. Managed SharePoint services ensure that organizations’ SharePoint environments are secure, up-to-date, and running smoothly.
Conclusion
The role of SharePoint developers has evolved significantly in the modern era. From customizing and extending the platform to building modern, responsive websites and intranets, SharePoint developers now require a diverse skill set. Whether organizations choose to hire in-house developers or outsource their SharePoint development needs, it is crucial to find professionals who have the expertise and experience to deliver high-quality solutions.