What is SharePoint?
The term describes an application from Microsoft that supports users in organizing or simplifying administration and business processes and increasing efficiency in day-to-day business. In this way, projects and business agendas can be managed in a resource-saving manner and business processes can be effectively coordinated.
With the help of SharePoint development tools, websites can be created quickly and easily with SharePoint, optimized and updated using document and content management functions. Blogs and discussion portals can also be easily implemented and maintained. Current versions are SharePoint Server 2019 or SharePoint Online (cloud version).
The most important functions of SharePoint
Sites: This area designates access to SharePoint functionalities using integrated, individually adaptable websites. The web pages in question must be listed in the current SharePoint website collection.
Communities: Personalized websites, as well as team and fan websites, can be set up and maintained with the “mySites” tool in terms of content management, and wikis and discussion forums can be used without restrictions.
Content Management: SharePoint offers the possibility to manage both digital documents and website content and to set up rules for their storage and maintenance. SharePoint development tools can even make this feature more productive.
Search: Information can be searched for within and outside of the SharePoint environment, the respective search criteria can be set individually.
Composites: All SharePoint elements are freely configurable via websites. MS Office applications and external software programs can be integrated via interfaces so that you can work with them from within the SharePoint environment. This functional area also includes editing websites and templates using SharePoint Designer and designing forms using Microsoft InfoPath.
Insights (reporting): Microsoft SharePoint enables company data from different sources to be consolidated. These can be graphically processed using special features and then displayed transparently online.
Benefits of SharePoint
- User Experience
As a modern IT platform, Microsoft SharePoint stands for fast data access and constant interaction as well as for the possibility of working efficiently in a team, independent of time and place. The software interfaces with popular client desktop applications, email and web browsers to enable easy data sharing, people, content and process interaction. It can be a little complicated when it comes to taking it to an advanced level for more benefits. To be secure while taking benefits from its advanced features, consult a SharePoint development company.
With numerous useful functions, SharePoint simplifies daily projects and office work, which leads to a high level of user acceptance of the application and integrated software programs.
- Simplification of day-to-day business
Ready-to-use workflows and the integration of external client software programs and web browsers enable easy initialization, tracking and reporting of daily business activities, logical data structures, a transparent information flow and a user-friendly interface facilitate the management of processes, resources and deadlines.
- Efficiency in content management
Microsoft SharePoint makes it easy to create, publish, update and audit-proof archiving online content. Entire websites can be edited quickly and published on the intranet or the Internet at scheduled times.
- Integration of employees and applications
Exchange ideas, implement groundbreaking decision-making and network software programs with each other – SharePoint is a suitable platform for this. SharePoint functions interact easily with cloud applications and useful programs such as Office Graph or OneDrive for Business.
Digitization of processes
SharePoint offers future-oriented and innovative solutions for digitizing business processes. New functionalities are implemented and applications such as MS Flow and Microsoft PowerApps are increasingly supported.
Implementation of compliance requirements
Defining binding security settings and monitoring guidelines ensures that sensitive information is effectively controlled and managed through the use of SharePoint and that the provisions of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) are complied with.
SharePoint for your business needs
In principle, Microsoft SharePoint can be used in agencies, SMEs and large companies in any industry. However, the question of whether SharePoint should be introduced in one’s own company cannot be answered in general terms, as it depends on individual requirements and circumstances.
To make a decision, SharePoint development experts recommend requesting test access for SharePoint 2016 or for the cloud version SharePoint Online from Microsoft in order to be able to evaluate the performance of the software package in a test environment that meets the requirements using realistic test data.
New functions and tools should be compared to the functionalities of the old system with regard to objectifiable added value and all scenarios of the operational and accounting value chain (including half-yearly and annual financial statements) should be subjected to a conscientious examination with regard to the requirements for consistency and integrity of the data stock.
Put simply, the migration to SharePoint 2016 involves the following steps: implementing the software architecture, copying the content databases, installing the applications, services & tools and updating the site collection.
Final Words:
SharePoint is an ideal workplace for online business data management needs for a modern style of documentation. SharePoint development has made its way to the business organization as an essential part of their work teams for better productivity and saving time during work tasks.
Al Rafay Consulting is a team of SharePoint developers who have a vast amount of experience to manage data and secure communication on the SharePoint online platform. For our services, please visit our website and contact us for any piece of professional advice regarding online data management.
