Transforming Intranet Experiences with SharePoint

Introduction

SharePoint is a powerful platform that enables organizations to create and manage their intranet sites. With its robust features and flexibility, SharePoint has become the go-to solution for businesses looking to improve their internal communication and collaboration.

Benefits of SharePoint Intranet

Implementing a SharePoint intranet offers several benefits for organizations:

• Improved collaboration: SharePoint provides a centralized platform for employees to collaborate on documents, share information, and work together on projects.
• Enhanced communication: SharePoint intranet allows for seamless communication through features like discussion boards, blogs, and announcements.
• Streamlined processes: SharePoint automates and streamlines business processes, reducing manual work and improving efficiency.
• Easy access to information: SharePoint’s search functionality and organized document libraries make it easy for employees to find the information they need.
• Customization options: SharePoint can be customized to fit the specific needs of an organization, allowing for a tailored intranet experience.

SharePoint On-Premise vs SharePoint Online

SharePoint is available in two deployment options: on-premise and online.

SharePoint On-Premise

SharePoint on-premise refers to the traditional installation of SharePoint on an organization’s own servers. This option offers more control and customization options but requires dedicated IT resources for maintenance and updates.

SharePoint Online

SharePoint Online is a cloud-based version of SharePoint that is hosted and managed by Microsoft. It offers the advantage of scalability, automatic updates, and accessibility from anywhere with an internet connection.

Intranet Design and Development

Designing and developing a SharePoint intranet requires careful planning and consideration of the organization’s needs and goals. Here are some key steps in the process:

1. Identify requirements: Understand the specific requirements and goals of the intranet project, such as improving communication, enhancing collaboration, or automating processes.
2. Information architecture: Define the structure and organization of the intranet, including site hierarchy, navigation, and content categorization.
3. User experience design: Create wireframes and prototypes to design the user interface and ensure a seamless and intuitive user experience.
4. Content migration: Migrate existing content from legacy systems to SharePoint, ensuring proper organization and metadata tagging.
5. Customization and branding: Customize the intranet’s look and feel to align with the organization’s branding guidelines and create a cohesive user experience.
6. Testing and deployment: Thoroughly test the intranet for functionality, performance, and user acceptance before deploying it to the organization.

Outsourcing SharePoint Development

Outsourcing SharePoint development to a specialized agency can offer several advantages:

• Expertise: SharePoint development agencies have the necessary expertise and experience to design and develop effective intranet solutions.
• Cost savings: Outsourcing can be more cost-effective than hiring an in-house team, as it eliminates the need for additional resources and infrastructure.
• Time savings: SharePoint development agencies can deliver projects more efficiently, as they have streamlined processes and dedicated teams.
• Access to latest technologies: SharePoint development agencies stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends, ensuring that the intranet is built using the best practices.
• Ongoing support and maintenance: Many SharePoint development agencies offer managed services, providing ongoing support and maintenance for the intranet.

Custom SharePoint Development

While SharePoint offers a range of out-of-the-box features, custom development can further enhance the intranet experience. Some examples of custom SharePoint development include:

• Integration with other systems: Custom development can enable seamless integration with other business systems, such as CRM or ERP, to provide a unified experience.
• Workflow automation: Custom workflows can be developed to automate business processes, reducing manual work and improving efficiency.
• Custom web parts: Custom web parts can be created to add specific functionality or display tailored information on the intranet.
• Mobile app development: Custom mobile apps can be developed to provide access to the intranet on-the-go, improving productivity for remote or field employees.

Managed SharePoint Services

Managed SharePoint services provide ongoing support and maintenance for the intranet, ensuring its smooth operation and continuous improvement. Some benefits of managed SharePoint services include:

• Proactive monitoring: Managed services providers monitor the intranet for any issues or performance issues, taking proactive measures to prevent downtime.
• Regular updates and patches: Managed services providers ensure that the intranet is up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates, reducing the risk of vulnerabilities.
• User support: Managed services providers offer user support, addressing any issues or questions that employees may have regarding the intranet.
• Continuous improvement: Managed services providers work closely with the organization to identify areas for improvement and implement enhancements to the intranet.

Conclusion

SharePoint has revolutionized the way organizations manage their intranet, providing a powerful platform for improved communication, collaboration, and productivity. Whether it’s through SharePoint on-premise or SharePoint online, organizations can transform their intranet experiences and reap the benefits of a modern and efficient workplace.