Understanding Managed SharePoint Services
Introduction
SharePoint is a powerful platform developed by Microsoft that allows organizations to create websites, intranets, and collaboration spaces. It provides a wide range of features and functionalities that can be customized to meet specific business needs. However, managing SharePoint can be complex and time-consuming, especially for organizations without dedicated IT resources. This is where managed SharePoint services come in.
What are Managed SharePoint Services?
Managed SharePoint services refer to the outsourcing of SharePoint development, maintenance, and support to a specialized agency or provider. These services can include everything from initial setup and configuration to ongoing management, security updates, and troubleshooting. By outsourcing SharePoint management, organizations can focus on their core business activities while ensuring that their SharePoint environment is secure, up-to-date, and optimized for performance.
Benefits of Managed SharePoint Services
There are several benefits to using managed SharePoint services:
- Expertise: Managed SharePoint service providers have extensive experience and expertise in SharePoint development and management. They are familiar with best practices and can ensure that your SharePoint environment is set up and configured correctly.
- Cost Savings: Outsourcing SharePoint management can be more cost-effective than hiring and training in-house IT staff. Managed SharePoint services are typically offered on a subscription basis, allowing organizations to pay for only the services they need.
- 24/7 Support: Managed SharePoint service providers often offer round-the-clock support, ensuring that any issues or concerns are addressed promptly. This can help minimize downtime and ensure that your SharePoint environment is always available to users.
- Security: Managed SharePoint service providers have expertise in implementing and maintaining security measures to protect your SharePoint environment from unauthorized access and data breaches.
- Scalability: As your organization grows, your SharePoint environment may need to be scaled up to accommodate increased usage and data storage. Managed SharePoint service providers can help you scale your environment without disrupting your business operations.
Choosing a Managed SharePoint Service Provider
When selecting a managed SharePoint service provider, it is important to consider the following factors:
- Experience: Look for a provider with a proven track record in SharePoint development and management. Check their portfolio and client testimonials to ensure they have the expertise to meet your specific needs.
- Services Offered: Determine what services the provider offers and whether they align with your requirements. Some providers may specialize in specific areas, such as intranet development or custom SharePoint development.
- Support: Ensure that the provider offers 24/7 support and has a dedicated support team that can address any issues or concerns in a timely manner.
- Security Measures: Ask about the security measures the provider has in place to protect your SharePoint environment. This may include data encryption, access controls, and regular security audits.
- Scalability: Inquire about the provider’s ability to scale your SharePoint environment as your organization grows. They should have the infrastructure and resources to accommodate increased usage and data storage.
Conclusion
Managed SharePoint services offer organizations a cost-effective and efficient way to manage their SharePoint environment. By outsourcing SharePoint development and management to a specialized provider, organizations can focus on their core business activities while ensuring that their SharePoint environment is secure, up-to-date, and optimized for performance. When selecting a managed SharePoint service provider, it is important to consider factors such as experience, services offered, support, security measures, and scalability. By choosing the right provider, organizations can maximize the benefits of SharePoint and enhance collaboration and productivity within their organization.