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How come Sharepoint’s free?
Like Internet Explorer, Microsoft originally developed Sharepoint as a service, but since then it has also
become a product. There also are more advanced versions which you can buy. The most recent is the
Microsoft Office Sharepoint Server 2007.
Tell me about the basics first. Is it difficult to learn to use?
It’s very straightforward. Sharepoint works in a familiar Windows environment, and allows a choice of
display preferences in a drag and drop format.
And what can it allow us to do?
Sharepoint is all about collaboration, so different personnel can access information at the same time,
saving your company both time and money.
That’s definitely attractive. How does this work exactly?
The application appears as a folder or desk of folders for yourself and colleagues to access documents,
customer contact details, emails, actions and accounts without having to chase each other. It integrates
with CRM (Customer Relationship Management) as well as Microsoft Office software such as email, as
well as database, accounting and many other regular business applications.
What about security? It’s not realistic to set up universal access to the company’s confidential data!
Of course not. But Sharepoint makes it simple to set up a series of network privileges with passwords and
user profiles.
Ah, good. Does it record all actions, such as modifications of files?
It does, and you can set up a history of changes too.
And will it prevent actions if they go against access privileges?
Definitely.
Great. Does Sharepoint keep all files up-to-date?
Yes. Through a web browser, your employees can have access to ‘real-time’ documents, such as Microsoft
Excel spreadsheets.
Great. What other benefits are there?
Sharepoint aids decision-making and saves time, because it gives you access to all required information
from one place. You can think of it as a ‘portal’, if this doesn’t sound too ‘sci-fi’.
I think I get the idea. Is it difficult to place new files on Sharepoint?
Not at all. It’s as simple as with any other Windows environment.
Brilliant. So what kind of thing does the purchased product offer?
All of this, and other features, such as very quick and easy creation of websites. It is possible to create a
website through Sharepoint in just a couple of minutes.
That’s amazing!
Here’s an example: http://www.satama.com/en/Pages/Default.aspx
Nice one. I can see that Sharepoint would be a real asset to my company. Let’s set it up.
Psychosis can offer comprehensive help choosing and implementing your Sharepoint network. Click here for more information.
Also in this issue: Compulsory details on emails and websites and Should we switch to Vista?
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