SharePoint – Intranet CMS?

Scottish Web FolkUniversity of Strathclyde 17th April 2009

Introduction

Frank MacDonald Web Development Manager Heriot-Watt University

www.hw.ac.uk

Started February 2009 ‘Web Refresh Project’ SharePoint project collaboration & Intranet

SharePoint since January 2007 CMS unsuitable for Extranet / Intranet SAC http://share.sac.ac.uk

SharePoint - Introduction

Microsoft Office SharePoint Server (MOSS) Collaboration platform A password-protected web accessible database of

files and web pages that is accessed using a familiar Microsoft Office interface that allows advanced collaboration and document management features.

WSS 3.0/MOSS 2007 Standard/Enterprise Campus agreement Licences <£1,000!

SharePoint - Versions

SharePoint - Roles

SharePoint @ HW

Install in a day, configure in a lifetime… Centrally provided SharePoint platform to

encourage schools, lower duplication & costs. Pilot project for managing SunGard Banner

project. Structure to allow staff Intranet by stealth. Live site http://sharepoint.hw.ac.uk

SharePoint @ HW

Why discuss SharePoint? Is SharePoint a web CMS?

Depends. Do you have .NET skill resources to adapt look

www.napier.ac.uk Unlikely… Complex to configure, Ferrari Accessibility issues, AKS

SharePoint is not a Web Teams responsibility Yes and no. Blurring of what is a web service and traditional IT

infrastructure, conflict? Do you get involved in Intranet sites and custom

applications? If yes then SharePoint is relevant.

Is SharePoint an Intranet CMS?

Yes!

Key SharePoint advantages for Intranet Ease of use for developers & site owners. Simple, familiar, and consistent user experience. Microsoft Office integration. Document management bias. Audience and authentication based on Active

Directory single sign on & groups. Team and project management content targeted at

multiple audiences and content in same location. Announcements, alerts, custom lists, workflow,

forms, calendars, workspaces to name but a few.

ECM / SharePoint CMS Integration

CMS Market consolidation, fewer standalone CMS

ECM / SharePoint CMS Integration

ECM definition…

ECM / SharePoint CMS Integration SharePoint's role in ECM, is it ECM?

No, ‘ECM lite’, it requires other products to function. “Though it covers a broad spectrum of capabilities, MOSS

2007 is not yet a full enterprise content management (ECM) system. Organizations requiring advanced content management capabilities and process-centric applications will need to augment their capabilities with partner offerings, or deploy MOSS 2007 alongside an ECM system rather than as a replacement for it.” Gartner

Nevertheless, Strong focus on SharePoint integration in CMS market. What business has the resource and discipline to introduce

ECM? SharePoint introduces concepts of ECM to the workplace.

SharemyPoint SharePoint is relevant to Web Teams that manage an Intranet

or want to investigate project collaboration / document management.

It is ideal software for managing an Intranet, easy to use simply or quick to develop advanced features.

Low cost approach for academic sector. Any CMS selection should strongly consider integration with

SharePoint. However

Watch out how SharePoint is resourced, admin to training. Do not underestimate the support required. Don’t run before you can walk, remove features until strategy in

place. Maintaining high standards in the Intranet, if it is easy to use it may

be easy to abuse!

Questions

Do you think you will be involved with SharePoint? Do you have a central SharePoint Strategy at your

institution? What is your ECM strategy? How do we deal with integration and functionality

cross over of VLE, SharePoint, CMS and ECM!?