Unpacking SharePoint Intranet Design Best Practices
Introduction
SharePoint is a powerful platform that allows organizations to create and manage their own intranet sites. With its wide range of features and customization options, SharePoint offers a flexible solution for building intranet sites that meet the specific needs of each organization. In this article, we will explore some best practices for designing and developing SharePoint intranet sites.
Understanding SharePoint Intranet
Before diving into the design and development best practices, it is important to have a clear understanding of what SharePoint intranet is. SharePoint intranet is a web-based platform that allows organizations to create internal websites for collaboration, document management, and communication. It provides a centralized hub for employees to access important information, collaborate on projects, and stay connected with their teams.
Choosing the Right SharePoint Development Agency
When it comes to designing and developing a SharePoint intranet, it is crucial to choose the right development agency. A reputable SharePoint development agency will have the expertise and experience to create a customized intranet solution that aligns with your organization’s goals and requirements. They will also provide ongoing support and maintenance to ensure the smooth functioning of your intranet site.
Designing the SharePoint Intranet
When designing the SharePoint intranet, it is important to keep the user experience in mind. The design should be intuitive, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Here are some best practices to consider:
- Use a clean and modern design that reflects your organization’s branding.
- Organize content in a logical and hierarchical structure.
- Use consistent navigation menus and breadcrumbs to help users find their way around the site.
- Include search functionality to allow users to quickly find the information they need.
- Make sure the site is mobile-friendly and responsive.
Developing the SharePoint Intranet
When developing the SharePoint intranet, it is important to follow best practices to ensure the site is secure, scalable, and easy to maintain. Here are some key considerations:
- Choose the right SharePoint version for your organization’s needs, whether it’s SharePoint on-premise or SharePoint Online.
- Customize the intranet to meet your organization’s specific requirements.
- Implement proper security measures to protect sensitive information.
- Optimize the performance of the site by minimizing page load times and optimizing code.
- Regularly update and maintain the intranet to ensure it remains secure and up-to-date.
Outsourcing SharePoint Development
Outsourcing SharePoint development can be a cost-effective and efficient solution for organizations that do not have the in-house expertise or resources to develop their own intranet. By outsourcing SharePoint development to a reputable agency, organizations can benefit from the expertise and experience of professionals who specialize in SharePoint development. This allows organizations to focus on their core business activities while leaving the development and maintenance of the intranet to the experts.
Managed SharePoint Services
In addition to outsourcing SharePoint development, organizations can also consider managed SharePoint services. Managed SharePoint services provide ongoing support and maintenance for the intranet, ensuring that it remains secure, up-to-date, and functioning smoothly. This allows organizations to focus on their core business activities while leaving the day-to-day management of the intranet to the experts.
Conclusion
Designing and developing a SharePoint intranet requires careful planning and consideration. By following best practices and working with the right development agency, organizations can create a customized intranet solution that meets their specific needs. Whether it’s SharePoint on-premise or SharePoint Online, a well-designed and developed intranet can greatly improve collaboration, communication, and productivity within an organization.