The Ins and Outs of Custom Intranet Development
Introduction
Custom intranet development using SharePoint has become increasingly popular among businesses looking to improve their internal communication and collaboration. SharePoint provides a powerful platform for creating intranet sites that are tailored to the specific needs of an organization. Whether you are considering developing a SharePoint intranet on-premise or in the cloud, this article will guide you through the process and highlight the benefits of outsourcing SharePoint development.
Understanding SharePoint Intranet
A SharePoint intranet is a private network that is accessible only to the employees of an organization. It serves as a central hub for storing, organizing, and sharing information within the company. SharePoint intranets can be customized to include various features such as document management, team collaboration spaces, news and announcements, employee directories, and more. The flexibility of SharePoint allows businesses to create intranets that align with their unique requirements and branding.
Designing a SharePoint Intranet
Designing a SharePoint intranet involves creating a user-friendly and visually appealing interface that enhances employee engagement and productivity. Here are some key considerations for intranet design:
- Branding: Incorporate your company’s branding elements such as logo, colors, and fonts to create a consistent look and feel.
- Navigation: Design an intuitive navigation structure that allows users to easily find the information they need.
- Responsive Design: Ensure that your intranet is accessible and functional across different devices, including desktops, tablets, and smartphones.
- Personalization: Provide options for users to customize their intranet experience, such as choosing preferred news topics or bookmarking frequently accessed documents.
- Collaboration Spaces: Create dedicated spaces for teams or departments to collaborate on projects, share documents, and communicate effectively.
Developing a SharePoint Intranet
Developing a SharePoint intranet involves a combination of configuration and customization. SharePoint offers both on-premise and online options, each with its own advantages:
On-Premise SharePoint Development
On-premise SharePoint development involves setting up and managing SharePoint servers within your organization’s infrastructure. This option provides complete control over the environment and allows for extensive customization. However, it requires dedicated IT resources for server maintenance, updates, and security.
SharePoint Online Development
SharePoint Online is a cloud-based version of SharePoint that is part of Microsoft 365. It offers a range of features and benefits, including automatic updates, scalability, and accessibility from anywhere with an internet connection. SharePoint Online eliminates the need for server maintenance and allows organizations to focus on intranet development rather than infrastructure management.
Outsourcing SharePoint Development
Outsourcing SharePoint development to a specialized agency can offer several advantages:
- Expertise: SharePoint development agencies have extensive experience and expertise in designing and developing intranets. They can provide valuable insights and best practices to ensure a successful implementation.
- Cost Savings: Outsourcing SharePoint development can be more cost-effective than hiring and maintaining an in-house development team. Agencies often offer flexible pricing models and can scale resources based on project requirements.
- Time Efficiency: SharePoint development agencies have streamlined processes and dedicated teams, allowing for faster project delivery. This enables organizations to start reaping the benefits of their intranet sooner.
- Ongoing Support: Many agencies offer managed SharePoint services, providing ongoing support and maintenance for the intranet. This ensures that the intranet remains up-to-date and continues to meet the evolving needs of the organization.
Benefits of Custom SharePoint Intranet Development
Custom SharePoint intranet development offers numerous benefits for organizations:
- Increased Productivity: A well-designed intranet improves communication and collaboration, leading to increased productivity among employees.
- Centralized Information: SharePoint intranets provide a centralized location for storing and accessing important documents, reducing the time spent searching for information.
- Improved Employee Engagement: An engaging intranet with personalized features and relevant content can boost employee morale and satisfaction.
- Enhanced Security: SharePoint offers robust security features, allowing organizations to control access to sensitive information and protect against unauthorized access.
- Scalability: SharePoint intranets can easily scale as the organization grows, accommodating additional users and content without compromising performance.
Conclusion
Custom intranet development using SharePoint provides organizations with a powerful tool for improving internal communication, collaboration, and productivity. Whether developing an on-premise or online intranet, careful planning and design considerations are essential for creating a successful intranet. Outsourcing SharePoint development to a specialized agency can offer expertise, cost savings, and ongoing support. By investing in a custom SharePoint intranet, organizations can reap the benefits of increased productivity, centralized information, improved employee engagement, enhanced security, and scalability.