Why Your Business Needs an Intranet Application Now
Introduction
In today’s fast-paced business environment, effective communication and collaboration are crucial for the success of any organization. With the rise of remote work and distributed teams, having a centralized platform for sharing information, accessing resources, and collaborating on projects has become more important than ever. This is where an intranet application comes into play.
What is an Intranet Application?
An intranet application is a private network that is accessible only to the employees of an organization. It serves as a centralized hub for all internal communication, collaboration, and information sharing. Unlike the internet, which is accessible to anyone, an intranet is restricted to authorized users within the organization.
The Benefits of Using SharePoint for Intranet Development
SharePoint is a powerful platform developed by Microsoft that is widely used for intranet development. It offers a range of features and capabilities that make it an ideal choice for building an intranet application. Here are some of the key benefits of using SharePoint for intranet development:
1. Centralized Document Management
SharePoint provides a centralized document management system, allowing employees to store, organize, and access documents from a single location. This eliminates the need for multiple versions of the same document and ensures that everyone has access to the latest version.
2. Seamless Collaboration
With SharePoint, employees can collaborate on documents in real-time, making it easy to work together on projects, share ideas, and provide feedback. The platform offers features such as co-authoring, version control, and commenting, which facilitate seamless collaboration.
3. Customizable Intranet Design
SharePoint allows organizations to customize the design and layout of their intranet to align with their branding and corporate identity. This helps create a familiar and engaging user experience for employees, increasing adoption and usage of the intranet.
4. Integration with Other Microsoft Tools
SharePoint seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft tools such as Outlook, Teams, and OneDrive, providing a unified platform for communication and collaboration. This integration enhances productivity and streamlines workflows by eliminating the need to switch between different applications.
5. Security and Access Control
SharePoint offers robust security features, allowing organizations to control access to sensitive information and ensure data privacy. Administrators can define user roles and permissions, restrict access to certain documents or sites, and implement multi-factor authentication for added security.
SharePoint Intranet Development Options
When it comes to SharePoint intranet development, organizations have two main options: SharePoint On-Premise and SharePoint Online (part of Office 365). Let’s take a closer look at each option:
1. SharePoint On-Premise
SharePoint On-Premise refers to the traditional deployment model where the SharePoint server is hosted on the organization’s own infrastructure. This option provides full control over the server and allows for customization and integration with other systems. However, it requires significant upfront investment in hardware, software, and IT resources for maintenance and support.
2. SharePoint Online
SharePoint Online, on the other hand, is a cloud-based solution that is hosted and managed by Microsoft. It offers the same features and capabilities as SharePoint On-Premise but eliminates the need for organizations to manage the underlying infrastructure. SharePoint Online is subscription-based, making it a more cost-effective option for small and medium-sized businesses.
Outsourcing SharePoint Development
Building a SharePoint intranet application requires specialized skills and expertise. Many organizations choose to outsource SharePoint development to a professional agency that specializes in SharePoint development. Here are some reasons why outsourcing SharePoint development can be beneficial:
1. Expertise and Experience
A SharePoint development agency has a team of experienced developers who are well-versed in SharePoint development best practices. They have the knowledge and expertise to design and build a customized intranet application that meets your specific business requirements.
2. Cost Savings
Outsourcing SharePoint development can be more cost-effective compared to hiring an in-house team. With outsourcing, you only pay for the development services you need, without the additional costs of hiring and training full-time employees.
3. Time Efficiency
A SharePoint development agency can complete the development project in a shorter timeframe compared to an in-house team. They have the necessary resources and expertise to deliver the project on time, allowing you to start using your intranet application sooner.
4. Ongoing Support and Maintenance
After the initial development, a SharePoint development agency can provide ongoing support and maintenance for your intranet application. This ensures that your intranet remains up-to-date, secure, and optimized for performance.
Conclusion
An intranet application built on SharePoint can greatly improve communication, collaboration, and productivity within your organization. Whether you choose SharePoint On-Premise or SharePoint Online, the benefits of using SharePoint for intranet development are undeniable. Consider outsourcing SharePoint development to a professional agency to ensure a successful and efficient implementation of your intranet application.
