This article was originally featured in the Guide to Technology Solutions from Associations Now, June 2007
By John Stover, Sr. SharePoint Solutions Architect, Susquehanna Technologies
Six years ago, Microsoft introduced the collaboration platform known as SharePoint. Today’s SharePoint 2007 outstrips its ancestors – allowing organizations to create Web sites, Extranets and Intranets on a single platform that includes business intelligence tools, and an enterprise search engine. The addition of Web 2.0 technologies such as blogs, wikis, discussion forums and the ability to publish and consume RSS feeds means that with SharePoint 2007, associations and their staff are able to communicate with members, partners and volunteers through a variety of channels.
Enterprise content management. Through the product’s web content management functionality and integrated workflow, associations are able to distribute Web content creation responsibilities among various staff and departments, but still maintain a consistent user interface across all web sites to ensure that brand assets are properly leveraged. Because content creation controls are based on Microsoft Office, anyone familiar with Word is able to create and update Web site pages.
Extranets. SharePoint 2007 allows geographically dispersed groups of members and volunteers to collaborate on document creation, calendars, and lists. Authentication can be handled through any association management system, with Single Sign-On providing access to the Web site and any committee or collaboration areas to which an individual belongs, as indicated in the AMS.
Intranets. Rich document management, ad-hoc data storage, reporting capabilities, and shared calendars are just a few of the features that have made SharePoint very useful as an Intranet platform. SharePoint 2007 builds on its predecessor’s strengths in this area by expanding and adding functionality such as editing and workflow support for document libraries, two-stage recycle bins, document-retention policies, user-profile improvements, the ability to track and stay in touch with colleagues, a new people search, and improved privacy and security mechanisms.
Mobile. Associations looking to provide anywhere, anytime access to their members will be pleased to learn SharePoint 2007 now has built-in support for mobile devices and the ability to participate in blogs or discussion forums via email. Alerts allow all members or staff to receive email messages when content is updated, changed, or deleted, in SharePoint 2007.
SharePoint 2007 provides the technology platform to manage the creation and distribution of information within any association. This feature-rich, single platform approach allows associations to manage audiences and provide better communication and collaboration tools to members and staff.